Gavin Newsom’s Georgia Visit Goes Left After SAT Joke Sparks Backlash
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism after remarks he made during a weekend visit to Atlanta didn’t land the way he may have intended.
Newsom was in Georgia campaigning for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is running for governor in 2026. While in town, he participated in a public conversation with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens at the Rialto Theater on Sunday evening.
During the discussion, Newsom attempted to connect with the audience by referencing his SAT score.
“I’m not trying to impress you — I’m just trying to impress upon you that I’m like you. I’m no better than you. I’m a 960 SAT guy,” he said. He added, “You’ve never seen me read a speech because I cannot read a speech.”
Mayor Dickens initially nodded and laughed, but as Newsom continued, the crowd reportedly grew quieter.
Social Media Reacts
Clips from the event quickly circulated online, with many viewers questioning the tone and phrasing of the remarks. Some interpreted the comments as implying that Black voters struggle academically, while others suggested he was clumsily attempting self-deprecating humor.
Critics on social media asked why a governor would frame relatability around academic shortcomings — and why that comparison would be made in front of a largely Black audience.
Supporters argued that Newsom was poking fun at himself, not the crowd.
Still, perception matters in politics.
Timing Matters
The event was hosted in honor of the launch of Newsom’s new memoir, Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery. With speculation about his national political ambitions, every public appearance carries extra scrutiny.
Georgia is a crucial battleground state, and Black voters are a key constituency in statewide elections. That context amplified the reaction.
No Official Clarification Yet
As of now, Newsom has not publicly clarified or walked back the comments.
Whether it was an awkward joke or a messaging misstep, one thing is clear: what may have been intended as humor quickly became a viral political moment.
And in today’s media climate, viral moments move fast.