Governor recounts low SAT score and struggles with dyslexia while addressing Black voters in Georgia, prompting critics to question the tone and timing amid California’s ongoing economic and education challenges.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom told a predominantly Black audience in Atlanta that he is “just like” them, recounting he scored a 960 on his SAT and struggles to read prepared speeches due to dyslexia—remarks that have since sparked criticism from conservatives who argue the comments were tone-dead and patronizing.
Speaking in Georgia as he continues to expand his national political presence, Newsom shared his academic history as part of an effort to connect personally with attendees.
The governor has publicly discussed his dyslexia before, including his official biography published by the Office of the Governor, where he describes lifelong challenges with reading.
But critics argue that telling a largely Black audience he is relatable because of a low SAT score was ill-conceived.
Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) criticized Newsom for the comment in an X post, “this goes for Gavin Newsom and every other Democrat politician in America who suffer from racist foot-in-mouth disease … Don’t insult the millions of Black Americans who studied hard, worked hard, built careers, started businesses, served in uniform, and earned their place in the greatest country on Earth.”
Under Newsom’s tenure, California has faced significant fiscal and economic challenges. The state’s recent budget documents from the California Department of Finance outline multibillion-dollar projected deficits.
Meanwhile, California consistently records the highest average gasoline prices in the nation, according to federal data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Education performance remains another point of contention. Statewide assessment results published by the California Department of Education show persistent achievement gaps affecting Black students in reading and math proficiency.
As Newsom courts voters outside California, conservatives argue his record at home—on affordability, public safety, and education—will shape how such remarks are received nationally.
