Andrew Gillum Concedes Florida's Governor Race

Ron DeSantis, a Trump acolyte who waged a race-baiting campaign, will be the Sunshine State's next governor.

Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.

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Daniel Reynolds

November 06 2018 11:26 PM EST

May 31 2023 8:02 PM EST

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Andrew Gillum has conceded Florida's gubernatorial race.

This Democratic mayor of Tallahassee and LGBTQ ally lost to Ron DeSantis, an anti-LGBTQ Trump lackey who employs racism to rile up his base (just like his idol).

DeSantis garnered 49.9 percent of the vote; Gillum had 48.9 percent, with 99 percent of polling places reporting, according to CNN.

Gillum was supported by everyone from Barack Obama to Rihanna in one of the country's most closely watched gubernatorial races.

The candidates were starkly different. Gillum aligned with progressive views, while DeSantis, a frequent Fox News contributor, made headlines for a racist dog whistle against his rival. Aside from saying Gillum would "monkey up" Florida's economic success, ;DeSantis called the black politician "articulate" in an interview the day after his primary win.