Perry Thurston Endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum reeled in the support of a prominent Broward County Democrat as he continues his bid to be Florida’s next governor. 

On Tuesday, state Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Ft. Lauderdale, threw his support behind Gillum. Before being elected to the Senate last year, Thurston led Democrats in the Florida House and ran for his party’s nomination to take on state Attorney General Pam Bondi in 2014. 

“I am so proud to endorse Andrew Gillum as Florida’s next governor,” Thurston said. “As mayor of Tallahassee he’s led the way on healthcare, education and climate change, including breaking ground on a new 120 acre solar farm last week. As governor, we can trust Mayor Gillum to be a fierce advocate for our community on so many issues - from addressing climate change, to ensuring healthcare is accessible to the most medically-needy in our state, to protecting public education from for-profit charter schools and their friends in the Legislature. I look forward to helping him ‘Bring It Home’ for Florida!” 

“It’s an honor to have Senator Thurston’s endorsement in our campaign for governor,” Gillum said. “He’s a true public servant who never shies away from a tough fight and who stands up for those who need a voice. I can’t wait to campaign with him all across South Florida and the Sunshine State!” 

Gillum faces former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham and businessman Chris King in the Democratic primary though other candidates, including Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and attorney John Morgan, could enter the race.