Gavin Newsom's Georgia SAT score comments face questions about authenticity

Governor Newsom's recent comments in Georgia about his SAT score are being called "code-switching" by critics. This is similar to past debates about his accent.
By Newsroom | Politics, United States |

Recent remarks by Governor Gavin Newsom to a Black audience in Georgia have drawn widespread attention and debate. Reports suggest Newsom made comments regarding his SAT scores and reading ability, which some have interpreted as an attempt to connect with the audience on a personal level, while others view it as insincere "code-switching" or pandering.

Gavin Newsom Tells Black Crowd He’s Like Them Because His SAT Score Is Low and He Can’t Read - 1

This situation unfolds against a backdrop of increasing scrutiny over Newsom's public persona and past actions. He has faced criticism regarding his authenticity, his upbringing, and his handling of various public events, including a recent viral photograph and past controversies related to pandemic restrictions.

Gavin Newsom Tells Black Crowd He’s Like Them Because His SAT Score Is Low and He Can’t Read - 2

Context and Timeline of Events

The controversy centers on statements attributed to Governor Gavin Newsom made at an event in Georgia. According to forum posts and media reports, Newsom told a Black audience that he identified with them due to having a "960 SAT guy" score and being unable to "read."

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Gavin Newsom Tells Black Crowd He’s Like Them Because His SAT Score Is Low and He Can’t Read - 3

  • October 27, 2025: Reports emerge of Gavin Newsom using a "code-switching" accent during an interview on the All the Smoke podcast. This led to criticism from figures like Black Republican [Name Redacted, likely from Article 1], who suggested "White liberals" are the "most racist."

  • October 26, 2025: An article from Outkick questions Newsom's new accent and backstory, drawing parallels to the movie The Jerk and likening his perceived attempts at relatability to a "conundrum."

  • December 5, 2025: A photograph of Newsom sitting with his legs crossed at the New York Times DealBook Summit goes viral, with some online conservatives reacting strongly to his posture.

  • September 15, 2025: An article from Atlanta Black Star discusses Donald Trump's campaign potentially using Newsom's remarks, where viewers perceived Newsom as calling his supporters "dumb."

  • September 9, 2024: The List publishes a piece on Gavin Newsom's most controversial moments, including an instance where he apologized for a party that grew larger than anticipated during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrasting with his earlier efforts to control the virus's spread.

  • Present (Time of Article 3 publication): A forum post on AR15.COM claims Newsom told a Black crowd in Georgia, "I am like you. I'm a 960 SAT guy. I can't read." The post indicates the event host appeared uncomfortable with the remark.

Scrutiny Over Authenticity and Public Persona

Concerns regarding Gavin Newsom's public image have been a recurring theme in media coverage. Critics often question the genuineness of his attempts to relate to different demographics.

Gavin Newsom Tells Black Crowd He’s Like Them Because His SAT Score Is Low and He Can’t Read - 4

  • Accents and Backstory: Multiple reports highlight suspicion surrounding Newsom's use of different accents and his narration of his personal history.

  • Commentators, including some identifying as Black Republicans, have described Newsom's accent shifts as "code-switching" and questioned his narrative of a difficult upbringing, pointing to his family's privileged background.

  • The authenticity of Newsom's personal anecdotes, particularly those describing his athletic youth, have been labeled as "laughable" by some critics.

  • Visual and Behavioral Criticisms: Even seemingly minor aspects of Newsom's public appearances have become points of contention.

  • His posture while sitting at a New York Times summit became a viral talking point, demonstrating a heightened level of scrutiny on his every move.

The Georgia Remarks: Intent vs. Perception

The specific statements made by Governor Newsom in Georgia regarding his SAT score and reading ability are at the heart of the current debate.

  • Attributed Statements: Forum discussions and unverified reports suggest Newsom told a Black audience in Georgia that he identified with them because he had a "960 SAT guy" score and "can't read."

  • Was this an earnest attempt to share a personal struggle and build rapport?

  • Did the audience perceive the remarks as intended, or did they contribute to a narrative of insincere pandering?

  • Host's Reaction: One report notes that the host of the event appeared uncomfortable, suggesting a potential misstep or a reaction to an unexpected statement from Newsom.

  • What was the host's demeanor and how did it signal the room's reception?

Historical Context of Controversies

Gavin Newsom's political career has been marked by several high-profile controversies that inform current perceptions.

  • Pandemic Era Actions:

  • While lauded for his efforts to control COVID-19 in California, Newsom also faced criticism for attending a birthday dinner party at a San Francisco restaurant in November 2020, which critics argued violated his own pandemic guidelines. He later apologized for the gathering, stating he had not expected the crowd to be that large.

  • Past Public Statements:

  • Newsom has been accused by opponents of making remarks perceived as dismissive or condescending towards his supporters, providing his rivals with "punchlines."

Expert and Public Commentary

Commentary surrounding Gavin Newsom's public statements often falls into distinct camps, reflecting partisan divides and differing views on political rhetoric.

  • Accusations of Pandering: Critics, particularly from conservative media and online forums, frequently accuse Newsom of inauthentic "code-switching" and pandering to specific demographics.

  • "Are We Buying Gavin Newsom's New Accent And Backstory?" one headline asks, reflecting skepticism.

  • Commentary suggests that while Newsom attempts to adopt certain vernacular or personas, the underlying message is perceived as disingenuous.

  • Defense or Indifference: Supporters or neutral observers may view Newsom's statements differently, or dismiss the controversies as politically motivated attacks.

  • The All the Smoke podcast appearance, where Newsom reportedly used a particular accent, was a context for these critiques, with one commentator suggesting that "White liberals" are the "most racist" for not challenging such perceived performance.

  • Some accounts suggest that the audience in Georgia did not react favorably, with one forum post stating, "Even the host started holding the room down. No that’s pretty much what the dude said, he out pandered himself right into a conundrum."

Analysis and Implications

The repeated instances of scrutiny over Gavin Newsom's public statements and personal branding suggest a persistent challenge in his communication strategy.

  • Credibility Gap: The pattern of accusations regarding his authenticity, ranging from accent changes to self-deprecating remarks about his academic performance, creates a narrative that his opponents actively exploit.

  • Does the cumulative effect of these controversies erode his credibility with key voting blocs?

  • Strategic Communication: The remarks in Georgia, regardless of intent, highlight the delicate balance required when attempting to establish common ground with diverse audiences.

  • The perceived gap between Newsom's background and the experiences he claims to share may be widening, rather than narrowing, due to such statements.

  • The controversy also underscores how easily a candidate's remarks can be amplified and recontextualized in the current media and political climate.

Conclusion and Outlook

The statements attributed to Governor Gavin Newsom in Georgia regarding his SAT score and reading ability have reignited discussions about his authenticity and public persona. Reports indicate he told a Black audience that he identified with them because he was a "960 SAT guy" and "can't read." This statement, alongside past controversies concerning his accents, backstory, and public appearances, fuels ongoing debate among his critics and the public.

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  • Evidence Summary: Accounts of the Georgia incident originate from online forums, suggesting the remarks were made in the presence of an uncomfortable event host. Media coverage from late 2025 details criticisms of Newsom's use of "code-switching" accents and questions his claimed background. Earlier controversies include a viral photograph and an apology for a pandemic-era gathering.

  • Unresolved Questions: The exact wording, context, and audience reception of Newsom's remarks in Georgia remain subjects of interpretation, particularly as direct transcripts or full video evidence are not comprehensively presented in the provided data.

  • To what extent did the audience in Georgia perceive his comments as genuine versus performative?

  • What was the specific intent behind Newsom's self-disclosure about his SAT score and reading ability?

  • Forward-Looking Implications: The repeated focus on Newsom's perceived inauthenticity suggests a continuous challenge for his political messaging. His administration and campaign will likely need to navigate these perceptions carefully to maintain and build public trust. The trend indicates that future public appearances will likely be met with heightened scrutiny regarding his narrative and communication style.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Governor Gavin Newsom say about his SAT score in Georgia?
Reports say Governor Newsom told a Black audience in Georgia that he identified with them because he was a "960 SAT guy" and "can't read." The event host reportedly seemed uncomfortable.
Q: Why are Gavin Newsom's comments in Georgia causing controversy?
Critics say the comments are an example of "code-switching" and insincere pandering to connect with the audience. Others question his authenticity and past public statements.
Q: Has Gavin Newsom been criticized for his communication style before?
Yes, in October 2025, Newsom faced criticism for using a "code-switching" accent on a podcast. He has also faced scrutiny over his personal stories and public appearances.
Q: What other controversies has Gavin Newsom faced recently?
Other issues include a viral photograph of him sitting with his legs crossed and past criticism for attending a gathering during COVID-19 restrictions. His remarks have been used by political opponents.
Q: How do people view Gavin Newsom's attempts to relate to different groups?
Some see his attempts as genuine efforts to build rapport, while many critics view them as performative and insincere. The debate centers on whether his communication is authentic or strategic.