Ex-Florida Gubernatorial Nominee Andrew Gillum Arrested in Alabama, Faces Felony Drug Charge

Andrew Gillum, the 46-year-old Democratic nominee for Florida governor in 2018, was arrested last week in Baldwin County, Alabama, on drug-related charges, multiple reports say.

Arrest and Charges

Online police records cited by TMZ and Florida Politics indicate Gillum was charged with possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Reports say he has been released from custody, but the possession of dangerous drugs count is a felony and could carry prison time if he is convicted.

Background

Gillum, a former Tallahassee mayor, was the Democratic nominee for Florida governor in 2018 and lost to Republican Ron DeSantis by roughly 30,000 votes. His political standing has diminished in the years since the campaign.

Prior Legal And Personal Issues

In 2022, Gillum faced federal charges alleging a scheme in which donations were solicited and a portion of funds was funneled back to him through third parties; that case did not result in convictions. Earlier, in 2016, he was found intoxicated and unconscious in a hotel room with two men, one of whom was described in reports as a male escort.

What’s Next

Details about the arrest are based on media reports and online records. Authorities or Gillum’s representatives have not released comprehensive public statements about the incident. The legal process will determine whether the felony charge proceeds and whether any penalties will follow.

Sources: TMZ, Florida Politics, online Baldwin County police records (as cited by reports).