Newsom Relates to Georgia Crowd: ‘I’m a 960 SAT Guy Just Like You’

California Governor Gavin Newsom shared candid details about his academic struggles and experience with dyslexia during an Atlanta book tour event on Sunday, attempting to connect with voters by highlighting his own educational challenges.

Speaking with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Newsom made a deliberate effort to present himself as relatable. “I’m not trying to impress you,” the California Democrat told the audience. “I’m just trying to impress upon you: I’m like you. I’m no better than you. You know, I’m a 960 SAT guy.”

This score reference carries particular context. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the average SAT score in the 1980s, when Newsom would have taken the test, was approximately 900. By comparison, modern tests use a recentered scale with an average score of 1010, according to The College Board’s research.

Newsom went further in describing his academic limitations, saying, “Literally a 960 guy, I can’t – you’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech: maybe the wrong business to be in.” The admission is notable for a high-profile politician whose career frequently requires public speaking.

The governor then delved into his personal experience with dyslexia, a learning disability that affects how individuals process written words. “My dyslexia, I haven’t overcome dyslexia, I’m living with it,” he explained. “I was a guy in the back of the classroom, my head down, just praying the teacher didn’t call on me.”

Newsom recounted his childhood experiences with the condition, revealing that he received specialized attention without understanding why. “I never realized – I was going after school three days a week – I didn’t know what for,” he said, adding that his mother became upset when learning about his diagnosis because “she didn’t want that to limit me. She didn’t want that to be an excuse.”

The governor’s candid revelations come at a time when his national profile has been growing. Political analysts have long speculated about Newsom’s presidential ambitions, though he has consistently denied plans to run in 2024, instead vocally supporting President Biden’s reelection campaign.

This personal storytelling approach represents a common strategy among politicians seeking to build authentic connections with voters. By highlighting personal challenges and vulnerabilities, elected officials often attempt to counter perceptions of elitism or privilege that can alienate everyday Americans.

Dyslexia affects approximately 20 percent of the population and is recognized as one of the most common learning disabilities. Other prominent political figures who have spoken about their dyslexia include former President George W. Bush and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, demonstrating that the condition need not be a barrier to high political office.

Newsom’s academic revelations also come amid ongoing debates about standardized testing in education. Many colleges and universities have moved toward test-optional admissions in recent years, acknowledging criticisms that such measures disadvantage students with learning differences or those from less privileged backgrounds.

The Atlanta appearance was part of Newsom’s book tour, where he has been engaging with audiences across the country. As governor of the nation’s most populous state, his perspectives on governance and policy typically draw significant attention, particularly as California’s approaches to issues like climate change, housing, and immigration often influence national conversations.

While some political commentators have questioned whether Newsom’s admission about reading difficulties might impact his political future, advocates for learning disabilities have generally praised public figures who speak openly about such challenges, noting that it helps reduce stigma and demonstrates that diverse learning styles need not limit one’s potential.