Miami-born and Gainesville raised Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum has declared his candidacy for governor of Florida. Gillum is going hard and smart in his appeal via social media. His ground game is strong too. He has garnered some high-profile appearances on television as well as speaking engagements with large organizations and endorsements from key influencers. 

Andrew Gillum could become the first black person elected governor of Florida. He is also an alum of my alma mater, THE Florida A&M University. Go Rattlers! 

Gillum has, no doubt, disrupted plans by many, to see former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham (daughter of former Florida governor Bob Graham) as the next governor of Florida. With her political and personal pedigree, she is seen as a strong traditional Democratic candidate. Gillum has charisma and experience. He is smart enough to appeal to all Floridians. Gillum brings an energy to the race that the Democrats need to win. He also should have been Chair of the Florida Democratic Party many years ago but let me not go there.

Stay tuned and buckle up. We'll address this race and others on the local, state and national level. 

 @vanessawbyers