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California GOP Chair Criticizes Newsom Over Viral Comment About SAT Scores
California Governor Gavin Newsom faces mounting criticism after a viral video showed him telling Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens “I’m like you” before mentioning his poor SAT scores and reading difficulties. The controversy has ignited debate about how Democratic politicians communicate with Black voters.
Corrin Rankin, the first Black chairperson in California Republican Party history, expressed disbelief at the governor’s remarks. “My first instinct was I couldn’t believe that the governor of California was saying something like this in 2026,” Rankin told Fox News Digital.
The controversy began Sunday when a conservative social media account posted a clip that has since garnered over 40 million views on X (formerly Twitter). In the footage, Newsom is seen speaking with Mayor Dickens, explaining his academic struggles. Many conservatives interpreted the exchange as condescending and accused Newsom of pandering to Black viewers, with some labeling the comments as racist.
“I think he just tanked himself yesterday,” Rankin said of Newsom, who is widely rumored to have presidential ambitions for 2028. “You can’t go around and say that a segment of your state is intellectually inferior and think you’re going to represent Americans. It’s never going to happen. This is going to haunt him for the rest of his career.”
Newsom defended himself on social media Monday, claiming he was referring specifically to his dyslexia. His spokesperson, Izzy Gardon, dismissed the criticism as “MAGA-manufactured outrage,” noting that the governor has discussed his learning disability publicly for years with various audiences.
“The Governor has said this publicly for years — including with Charlie Kirk and dozens of other audiences,” Gardon said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “The same people who excused or ignored Trump’s racist ape video can go f— themselves.”
Atlanta Mayor Dickens also defended Newsom on Instagram, writing that the exchange “wasn’t an attack on anyone. It was a moment of vulnerability about his own journey.”
However, Rankin rejected the dyslexia explanation. “Trying to blame this on dyslexia is something that is completely separate from what he intended to say,” she argued. “He truly believes that Black people, Black Americans, are intellectually inferior. That is where his comments were coming from.”
The incident occurs amid broader criticism of Democratic policies and rhetoric around race. In recent weeks, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced backlash for characterizing federal voter ID legislation as “Jim Crow 2.0,” while Newsom suggested Black Americans have difficulty obtaining passports.
For Rankin, these comments reflect a troubling pattern. “It should start ringing hollow… what’s Jim Crow? Thinking that Black people are intellectually inferior, that’s the mindset that contributed to Jim Crow,” she said. “It’s the mindset of thinking that Black people are inferior, they’re intellectually inferior, that they’re not smart and that was the reason to hold Black people down.”
The controversy highlights growing tensions around racial politics as the 2026 midterm elections approach. For Newsom, who has emerged as a prominent national Democratic figure and possible presidential contender, the incident could potentially complicate future political aspirations beyond his governorship of California.
Political analysts note that Democrats have traditionally enjoyed strong support from Black voters, but this support has shown signs of erosion in recent elections. How politicians communicate with diverse constituencies continues to be a crucial aspect of American politics, with moments like these receiving intense scrutiny in today’s digital media landscape.
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9 Comments
Newsom’s comments highlight the delicate balance politicians must strike when discussing race and education. While the GOP chair’s criticism may be warranted, labeling the remarks as racist seems excessive. This is a complex issue that requires nuanced discussion, not knee-jerk reactions.
This controversy highlights the fine line politicians must walk when discussing race and education. Newsom’s remarks, while perhaps well-intentioned, came across as insensitive. The GOP chair’s criticism is not unfounded, but labeling it as racist seems an overreaction.
I agree, the issue deserves more nuanced discussion rather than quick accusations of racism. Effective communication on such sensitive topics is crucial for politicians.
The GOP chair’s reaction is understandable – Newsom’s remarks were tone-deaf and could be seen as condescending. However, the accusations of racism seem a bit strong. This is a complex issue that deserves nuanced discussion.
The controversy over Newsom’s remarks is a prime example of how even well-intentioned comments on sensitive topics can backfire in the political arena. Navigating these challenges will be crucial for any politician with national ambitions, as perceptions can often overshadow intent.
Newsom’s comments seem to have struck the wrong chord. While trying to connect with the mayor, he may have come across as insensitive and pandering. This controversy highlights the challenge of politicians navigating racial issues effectively.
The backlash to Newsom’s comments shows how volatile discussions around race and education can be in politics. While his intent may have been to relate to the mayor, the delivery fell flat and opened him up to criticism. Navigating these issues will be crucial for any politician with national ambitions.
This incident demonstrates the challenges politicians face when trying to connect with diverse audiences. Newsom’s remarks, though perhaps well-meaning, came across as insensitive and could undermine his credibility. Effective communication on sensitive topics is essential for building trust with all voters.
Interesting to see the strong reaction to Newsom’s comments. While they may have been poorly worded, the intent seems to have been to connect with the mayor. But in politics, perception is often reality, and this incident could hurt Newsom’s future ambitions.