Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement Wednesday rejecting criticism from Republican commentators who called the governor’s recent remarks about SAT scores a “MAGA‑manufactured outrage.”

What the Left Is Saying

Democratic leaders and education advocates said Newsom’s comments highlighted long‑standing disparities in college‑entry exams and urged a focus on broader reforms. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer noted that “the SAT has long reflected socioeconomic gaps, and Governor Newsom is right to call attention to that.” The California Teachers Association issued a press release supporting the governor’s call for holistic admissions.

What the Right Is Saying

Republican officials and conservative media argued the governor’s remarks were a political stunt aimed at energizing the Democratic base. House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik said the statement “plays into a partisan narrative that the SAT is a tool of elite bias, when in fact it remains a merit‑based measure.” The Heritage Foundation’s education policy director Kelly Adams said the criticism was “manufactured outrage,” echoing the Washington Examiner’s headline.

What the Numbers Show

According to the College Board, the average SAT score nationally in 2025 was 1,050, while California’s average was 1,035, a 15‑point gap. In 2023, 23% of California high school seniors scored 1,400 or above, compared with 27% nationally. Low‑income students in California averaged 990, 30 points below the state average, underscoring the disparities cited by Newsom.

The Bottom Line

The disagreement reflects an ongoing partisan debate over the role of standardized testing in college admissions. Newsom’s office says the focus will remain on expanding access to higher education, while Republican critics argue the issue should be addressed through school choice and merit‑based policies.

Both sides will watch upcoming federal education legislation for clues on how the SAT debate may influence future reforms.