Alcee Hastings Endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor

Florida congressman Alcee Hastings, D-Fla., is endorsing Andrew Gillum for governor.

On Wednesday, Hastings gave his blessing for the Tallahassee mayor to become the next leader of Florida.

Hastings said the time was now for Democrats to take back the governor's mansion, where they haven't had a seat in 20 years.

“For the last 20 years, under Republican rule in Tallahassee, communities of color across the state have suffered from a lack of job opportunities, poor access to quality public education, and access to quality and affordable healthcare," he said. "As Democrats, we need to make significant changes, and in this spirit, I believe that Mayor Andrew Gillum is the right choice to lead our state."

Gillum, Hastings said, was the right candidate for the job.

“Mayor Gillum is an innovative pragmatic progressive leader that Florida desperately needs to confront our biggest challenges: attacking climate change, rebuilding our economy, protecting access to healthcare, and revitalizing public education," Hastings said. "He has shown the courage to stand up for what he believes in, and he has never hesitated to give a voice to those who need one most. Floridians can trust Andrew Gillum to rebuild our state into one that works for everyone."

Hastings' said there were several Democrats in the field who were "outstanding" candidates and pledged to support whoever won the primary election for governor.

“I will vigorously support the Democratic nominee for governor and do all that I can to ensure that our state goes from Red to Blue in 2018," he said.