Liberal Group Democracy for America Endorses Andrew Gillum

On Monday, liberal group Democracy for America (DFA), founded by former Gov. Howard Dean of Vermont who won national attention for his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, endorsed Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum to be Florida’s next governor. 

Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean, the brother of the former presidential candidate, praised Gillum's liberal credentials and pledged the group would fight for him.

Andrew Gillum

“Now more than ever, Floridians need a governor who is committed to making the state a place where success is not limited to the most wealthy or well-connected, and where all people can fairly pursue opportunities without fear,” Dean said on Monday. “As the mayor of Tallahassee, Andrew Gillum has stood up to the NRA and made it clear that he will protect immigrants against the Trump administration. He has a vision for the state that includes progressive policies like a $15 minimum wage and ending discrimination against those who have been incarcerated.
 
“2018 can be the year Democrats take back control from Republican governors across the country, but it won’t happen without progressive leaders who run on bold platforms like Andrew Gillum,” Dean added. “He can count on Democracy for America members to work their hearts out to help him win between now and election day.”

“I’m deeply honored to have Democracy for America’s endorsement in our campaign for governor,” Gillum said. “The stakes have never been higher for Florida. Nearly half of all our households are struggling to make ends meet, wages are down in nearly two-thirds of our counties, and Floridians in every corner of our state are asking why they can’t get ahead anymore. I’m running for governor to finally provide progressive leadership that will stop the special interests from running roughshod over our state. When I’m Governor, we’re going to rebuild our economy so it works better for everyone, confront our climate change crisis, revitalize public education, reinstitute trades and apprenticeship training in our schools and protect healthcare access for all.” 

Gillum does not have an open shot at the Democratic nomination as former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., and businessman Chris King are also running.