Andrew Gillum endorsed incumbent Mayor Lauren Poe’s campaign for re-election Tuesday.
Poe said he asked Gillum to endorse him. Florida Department of State Division of Elections records show Poe contributed $1,000 between two donations, one being in April 2017 and one in September, for Gillum’s campaign for governor. Poe’s opponents in the mayoral race so far include Marlon Bruce, a Santa Fe College student; Jennifer Reid, a mother and legal assistant; and Jenn Powell, a mother and part-time legal assistant.
Gillum — former mayor of Tallahassee, democratic candidate in the 2018 Florida governor election and Gainesville native — wrote in a statement that he endorsed Poe because of his values and leadership. Gillum lost the governor race to Republican Ron DeSantis in November.
“He has the vision and experience to address local challenges head-on and lead my hometown into the future,” Gillum said.
Poe supported Gillum as governor because of his efforts to reform the education system and for progressive healthcare, he said.
“Both are things that have been neglected for the past 16 years,” Poe said. “He gave a lot of people hope.”
Poe and Gillum served as mayors at the same time in cities that shared similar issues, he said. They also both graduated from Gainesville High School at different times.
Poe said his campaign is based on equity. He wants to impose policies that will help close the gap of disparity among jobs, housing, healthcare and education.
City Commissioner Helen Warren, who donated $100 to Poe’s campaign, said she is endorsing him because of his experience working with the commission and Gainesville Regional Utilities.
“I agree with his vision for a better city,” Warren said. “I don’t know anyone who knows the city better than him.”
Mayor of Tallahassee and gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum laughs while speaking at a rally on UF's campus Friday afternoon. During the event, hosted by the Andrew Gillum campaign, Gillum walked with students to the polls.
