Another name is circulating around political circles to run for governor in 2018. Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum’s name is floating around as a possible contender to take the state’s top job in politics, and some say it wouldn’t be a bad pick for the Democrats in two years.
Politico reported last week that a group of Democratic college students started an online petition backing Gillum for governor. The support from Gillum didn’t just come from students in the town he represents, either -- 19 students from eight different universities tacked their names onto the list.
The “Draft Mayor Andrew Gillum for Governor” petition had gathered nearly 800 signatures at the time of this article’s release.
The students say Gillum is a different type of candidate who could reverse the course the vote took this year, leaving Democrats short on luck and without many political offices to warm up come January.
The losses were felt from the top to the bottom, from Washington, D.C., to small Florida districts where Dems failed to make their mark.
Gillum, the students allege, isn’t like many of the candidates the Democratic Party has propped up. He doesn’t have a famous last name, isn’t notoriously wealthy and is not, they say, quite as connected to the inner political process as other possible candidates for the job.
““We are looking for a gubernatorial candidate that inspires and empowers people to take progressive action,” they wrote. “Yet, every Florida election cycle, the corporate special interests and political insiders limit our choices to those with personal wealth or famous last names. Then these same power brokers wonder why people across the state feel disengaged or unmotivated to vote.”
Gillum said Friday that he wasn’t going to turn a blind eye to his constituents’ opinions -- but didn’t confirm or deny he would run or even consider the possibility.
“I hear your voices,” he wrote. “I will continue to listen.”
U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, Tampa mayor Bob Buckhorn and Orlando uber lawyer John Morgan’s names have all been shuffling around the gubernatorial round table in recent weeks. Each one of those candidates -- apart from Buckhorn -- has strong political connections.
Graham is the daughter of former Florida Gov. Bob Graham and Morgan has amassed a fortune as a state lawyer, frequently dipping his hand in political affairs. He’s been chummy with some of the state’s hottest issues over the last two election cycles, heavily promoting Florida’s pro-medical marijuana Amendment 2.
Possible Republican contenders include Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, who has been fundraising for a possible run since last year.
Gillum is a fresh face in Florida politics, but he has made his mark as a rising star in Tallahassee politics. He served as City Commissioner and was, at the time, the youngest person to hold that office at 23.
Gillum ran for mayor in 2013.
Locals say Gillum has what it takes to remain honest and put the interests of the people ahead of the wants of insiders.
“I want a governor that wants equality and opportunity for EVERYBODY, not just his financial backers,” wrote Camille Graham.
It’s been a long time since Democrats have won the Florida governor’s race -- a Democrat hasn’t held the seat since 1999, a nearly 20 year gap by the time 2018 rolls around.
Gillum hasn’t made it through his job as mayor unscathed by the criticisms of Republicans, though. When Hurricane Hermine raged through the Big Bend Area in October, Gov. Rick Scott whacked Gillum over his handling of the storm and its effects.
The two went toe-to-toe over how long the city took to repair power lines and to clean up fallen debris from the storm.
Floridians stand ready to support Gillum regardless.
“You have my vote,” said Debra Schneiderman, who lives in Sunrise. “Florida needs to be led in a different direction than it has been going.”
Others say he would be a strong ally for minorities. Gillum, an African American, could mobilize the black community and other minorities.
"He represents individuals that have a clear vision for our state just like he had a clear vision for Tallahassee," said Tallahassee resident and immigrant advocate Juan Escalante. "[It's important he's been] connecting with us on an individual basis and making sure immigrant community has everything we need to succeed in our state."
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
