| Popis: |
This chapter reviews Progressive Black Democrat Andrew Gillum’s 2018 campaign for governor of Florida, showing how he came within 0.4 percent of defeating his White Republican, Trump-supported, opponent Ron DeSantis. It relates how Gillum’s upset primary victory over five white, better known Democratic opponents made headlines everywhere. He energized oft-neglected Black, Hispanic, and young voters. In the Republican primary, DeSantis upset the state’s popular Agriculture Commissioner. In the hard fought general election, Gillum attacked DeSantis as “racist,” for a “dog whistle” comment on Fox News. DeSantis labeled Gillum “corrupt,” as a mayor failing to report free tickets to a Broadway play. Gillum led in the polls, but higher Republican turnout gave DeSantis the win, although Gillum’s near success launched him onto the national stage. A scandalous personal incident, followed by rehab, a redemptive message, a popular podcast, and the state’s growing racial and age diversity have kept the door open. The chapter goes on to explain that the 2018 Florida gubernatorial campaign showcased the competitiveness of a Black statewide candidate in a southern state that has long swung between the two major parties. It then outlines how Florida has, in many respects, led southern political change, especially the evolution of racial politics beyond merely White and Black, to incorporate a widely diverse population of migrants and immigrants. |
