As attention begins to shift toward the 2028 presidential election cycle, California Gov. Gavin Newsom remains behind Vice President Kamala Harris in recent polling, according to publicly reported surveys. Over the weekend, Newsom traveled to Georgia, where he addressed a crowd of Black voters and made remarks that have since drawn criticism online.

During his speech, Newsom attempted to present himself as relatable to the audience, referencing his academic record and public speaking style.

“I’m not trying to impress you, I’m just trying to impress upon you I’m like you,” Newsom said.

“I’m no better than you. I’m a 960 SAT guy and...but literally a 960 SAT guy. You’ve never seen me read a speech, because I cannot read a speech.”

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The comments quickly circulated on social media, with critics arguing that the governor’s remarks were ill-advised given the context and audience.

Newsom has previously been a central figure in national debates over pandemic policy. As governor of California, he ordered statewide lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis, including business and church closures.

Public spaces such as skate parks were temporarily shut down, and enforcement actions were taken in certain instances involving beach access.

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At the same time, Newsom faced scrutiny for attending a dinner at The French Laundry restaurant during the pandemic.

The Georgia appearance came as Democratic figures and media outlets have increasingly discussed potential 2028 contenders. Newsom has not formally announced any presidential campaign.

His remarks also drew attention from entertainer Nicki Minaj, who commented on the footage posted online.

“Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that will haunt him forever? He’s literally slowing his speech down & talking in a sporadic cadence,” Minaj wrote.

She continued in a subsequent post: “He’s not just TELLING them that they’re all probably stupid & probably can’t read, he’s LITERALLY SLOW-ING-DOWN-HIS-SPEECH to make them understand the words that are coming out of his mouth!!!! As if they’re children!!!! That means he REALLY BELIEVES they’re slow. He’s not just saying it—he didn’t misspeak!!!! He BELIEVES it!!!!,” Minaj added.

His way of bonding with black ppl is to tell them how stupid he is & that he can’t read.This means my first read on him was correct. He’s been handed so many things & put in high positions he never earned or deserved.Do you wanna know the craziest part of this footage that… https://t.co/llo1k7F7wB

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) February 23, 2026

Online commentary has compared Newsom’s remarks to prior political controversies involving other Democratic leaders.

In 2019, then-presidential candidate Joe Biden said, “Poor kids are just as bright and just as talented as white kids,” a statement that also generated backlash.

Some supporters of Newsom have argued that he was referring only to his own SAT score and difficulties with reading speeches, rather than making a statement about the audience.

Others have questioned the wisdom of emphasizing an inability to read prepared remarks, noting that public speaking and policy communication are central components of presidential leadership.

The governor’s Georgia stop comes amid ongoing political discussion about the future of the Democratic Party and potential leadership in 2028.

Newsom has remained active on the national stage, including appearances on podcasts and at out-of-state events, as speculation continues about his ambitions beyond California.

The reaction to his comments reflects the scrutiny facing high-profile Democrats as the next presidential cycle approaches.

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