Democracy for America Endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor of Florida
Democracy for America today endorsed Andrew Gillum in his campaign for Governor of Florida. The million-member national progressive organization, which raised $1.8 million for Bernie Sanders 2016 Presidential Campaign, has 97,508 members in Florida committed to taking on income inequality, money in politics, and structural racism.
Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean on the endorsement:
“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."
“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. He can count on Democracy for America members to work their hearts out to help him win between now and election day.” - Jim Dean, Chair of Democracy for America
Andrew Gillum was born in Miami, where his mother drove a school bus and his father was a construction worker. He was the first in his family to graduate college and went on to become the youngest person in history elected to the Tallahassee City Commission, before later becoming Mayor. As Mayor, Gillum beat the gun lobby in court to protect commonsense gun reforms, stood up to President Trump and Governor Rick Scott to defend immigrants, and reduced violent crime in the city by investing in community policing and juvenile justice programs.
Mayor Andrew Gillum on the endorsement:
“I’m deeply honored to have Democracy for America’s endorsement in our campaign for Governor. 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.” - Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum
Since its 2004 founding, DFA members have raised and contributed more than $40 million and made more than 11.1 million volunteer calls to help successfully elect 917 progressive candidates nationwide.