Andrew Gillum, the Democrat who narrowly lost the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race to Ron DeSantis, was arrested last week in Alabama on charges of possessing dangerous drugs, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana.
Gillum, 46, a former mayor of Tallahassee, was taken into custody by police in Daphne on the evening of July 2 and booked into the Baldwin County Jail. He was released the following day, according to online jail records.
The arrest marks another legal setback for Gillum, who once rose rapidly in Florida politics before facing public scrutiny over personal conduct and corruption allegations.
Former Mayor’s Political Rise and Fall
Gillum served as mayor of Tallahassee from 2014 to 2018. In the 2018 Florida governor’s race, he came within 34,000 votes of defeating DeSantis out of more than 8 million ballots cast, a margin of just 0.4 percent that triggered an automatic recount.
During the campaign, Gillum positioned himself as a progressive alternative in a state increasingly leaning Republican.
Following his election defeat, Gillum became a political commentator for CNN and founded a political action committee.
However, his public profile diminished after a 2020 incident at a hotel in Miami Beach, where police found suspected crystal meth after responding to a medical emergency involving another man in the room.
Also Read: Democrats Support DOJ Investigation Into Gavin Newsom and Wife: Poll
As reported by Mediaite, Gillum was not charged in that case because prosecutors said they could not prove the drugs belonged to him. He later acknowledged struggling with alcohol abuse, entered rehabilitation, and stepped away from politics and his media roles.
Federal Corruption Case
In 2022, federal prosecutors charged Gillum and a longtime associate with wire fraud, conspiracy, and making false statements to the FBI.
Prosecutors alleged the pair solicited illegal campaign contributions from undercover agents and diverted funds for personal use during Gillum’s tenure as mayor.
Gillum pleaded not guilty. In 2023, a federal jury acquitted him on some charges but failed to reach a verdict on others. Prosecutors later dismissed the remaining counts, bringing the case to a close. Gillum has consistently denied wrongdoing and has largely remained out of electoral politics since the 2020 hotel incident.
Alabama Arrest
According to Baldwin County records, Gillum faces three charges: possession of dangerous drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia (first offense), and possession of marijuana (second offense). Some reports indicate his bond totaled approximately $6,500.
Also Read: AOC Fires Back After JD Vance Predicts She’ll Be Democrats’ 2028 Pick
Authorities in Daphne have not released further information about the circumstances surrounding the arrest, and it remains unclear whether the case will proceed to trial or another legal resolution. Under Alabama law, repeat marijuana possession offenses can carry significant legal penalties, including possible jail time.
Renewed Scrutiny
The latest arrest has renewed attention on Gillum, who was once viewed as one of the Democratic Party’s rising stars. Supporters have previously pointed to his record on criminal justice reform, education, and economic development during his time as Tallahassee mayor, while critics argue his legal troubles have damaged his credibility.
No court dates had been announced as of Tuesday, and Gillum could not immediately be reached for comment. Baldwin County court officials also had not released additional information about the case.
Florida Democrats had not publicly commented on the arrest as of Tuesday, with the party remaining focused on legislative priorities and upcoming elections.
