Gov. Gavin Newsom Tries to Highlight Dyslexia, Tells Audience ‘I’m Like You,’ Adding, ‘I’m a 960 SAT Guy… I Cannot Read
California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing criticism from both sides of the political aisle after telling an Atlanta audience that he is “just like” them because he scored a 960 on the SAT and “cannot read” speeches.
The remarks came during a Sunday event in Atlanta moderated by Andre Dickens, where Newsom was promoting his memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery.
“I’m not trying to impress you. I’m just trying to impress upon you. I’m like you,” Newsom said. “I’m no better than you. You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy…you’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
Comments Meant To Highlight Dyslexia Ignite Backlash
Newsom’s comments referenced his lifelong struggle with dyslexia, a learning disability he has spoken about publicly in the past. However, his attempt to connect with the audience drew swift criticism.
Former Ohio Democratic state senator Nina Turner called the remarks insulting.
“Governor Gavin Newsom went to Atlanta and told a crowd that he is ‘just like’ them, he had a 960 SAT, that he can’t read speeches. How insulting. Working class people believe politicians are out of touch because they don’t worry about the cost of rent or medical bills,” Turner said.
Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott also chimed in to criticize the governor.
“Black Americans aren’t your low bar. We’ve built empires, created movements, outworked, outhustled and outsmarted people like you. Stop using your mediocre academics as a way to patronize communities. It’s ridiculous!” Scott said.
Newsom Fires Back On Social Media
After Fox News anchor Sean Hannity weighed in, Newsom responded sharply on X.
“You didn’t give a sh-t about the President of the United States of America posting an ape video of President Obama or calling African nations sh-tholes — but you’re going to call me racist for talking about my lifelong struggle with dyslexia? Spare me your fake f–king outrage, Sean,” Newsom wrote.
The exchange intensified the controversy, placing the governor’s remarks at the center of a broader debate about race, education and political messaging.
Democratic Strategists Call Remarks Inartful
Democratic strategist Ameshia Cross said she was disappointed by the delivery but believes Newsom’s intent was to highlight America’s literacy crisis.
“He’s a great wordsmith, so I was kind of bothered by the way that he said it,” Cross said. “I do think that there is something to be said about that, but that’s not just in Atlanta, and that’s not just in Black communities.”
Cross pointed to national education data showing widespread literacy challenges among children and adults. She also noted that Newsom, widely viewed as a potential 2028 presidential contender, typically measures his words carefully.
“He fundamentally understands diversity and some of the negative connotations around education, specifically when you’re talking about Black people, and specifically in this era of the American consciousness where Donald J. Trump is out here arguing that Black people are in certain spaces and places just because of the color of their skin and DEI and not their intellectual capacity,” Cross said.
Party Allies Urge Sharper Messaging
Political analyst and former South Carolina Democratic lawmaker Bakari Sellers offered blunt advice.
“Dems must stop doing dumb sh-t,” Sellers wrote on X.
He added that while he disagrees with Newsom on some issues, he does not view him as racist.
“His story about overcoming dyslexia is powerful and endearing, one I wish he’d lean into more. His remarks show a blindness and were inartful. But leave it there. Donald Trump is racist. Gavin is not.”
The episode underscores the delicate balance national Democrats face as potential 2028 contenders navigate issues of race, education and messaging in a deeply polarized political climate.
