Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is starting to round up the support of some of the state’s top Democrats as he continues his 2018 gubernatorial bid.
Gillum announced on Monday that state Rep. Loranne Ausley, D-Tallahassee, was supporting his effort for the Democratic nod. After serving in the Florida House for four terms, Ausley was the Democratic nominee who came up short against Republican Jeff Atwater in the 2010 state CFO race. Ausley bounced back last year and returned to the Florida House. Gillum is not the only potential Democratic candidate from Tallahassee as former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., is considering entering the race.
Despite Graham looming over the race, Ausley made her case for Gillum on Monday.
“Today I am proud to announce my support for Andrew Gillum’s campaign for governor,” Ausley said. “I have worked closely with Andrew since he was FAMU Student Body president, serving our community together from our respective roles in local and state government. Andrew doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk. We share a passion for children's issues and during his time in office, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that every child in our community has the chance for success. I look forward to being a part of his campaign team going forward and I know that as Andrew travels the state sharing his personal story and his commitment to expanding opportunities for Floridians from all walks of life, they will see the same bold leader I have been proud to work with for 16 years.”
“Our campaign is thrilled to have the support of a long-time leader in Leon County and Tallahassee in state Representative Loranne Ausley,” Gillum said. “She has been a steadfast advocate for children as both a legislator and a mother, and I’m excited that she’s joining our people-powered campaign for governor.”
Ausley is not the only prominent Democrat leader to stand behind Gillum. Earlier this month, Politico reported that Allison Tant, the former chairwoman of the Florida Democratic Party, was backing Gillum and helping him with fundraising.
In the meantime, Graham has grown increasingly active, praising Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn who announced last week that he would not run for governor. Graham has also thrown a few jabs at Republicans, hitting President Donald Trump for his proposed immigration ban on residents of Middle East nations and weighing in on Gov. Rick Scott’s State of the State address last week and his battle with House Republicans over Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida.
“Rather than fighting for the people of Florida, Rick Scott and Republican leaders are wasting time fighting each other,” Graham insisted. “We need leaders who put the people of Florida before their own political self interests. Through this session and every day at the state Capitol, the top priorities should be helping workers get ahead, protecting our environment and improving schools. We need our leaders to fight for families, children and seniors -- not fighting each other.”
While Democrats have not won a gubernatorial election since 1994 when then Gov. Lawton Chiles edged Jeb Bush, there could be a crowded field lined up for 2018 when Scott faces term limits. Gillum and Orlando businessman Chris King have already entered the race. Besides Graham, potential candidates include Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine, attorney John Morgan and former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Fla.
