On March 12, 2019, Former Tallahassee Mayor and 2020 Gubernatorial Candidate Andrew Gillum, shared the following video from his state PAC Forward Florida about an upcoming announcement on March 20, 2019.
There was some speculation that he might be making an announcement to join the 2020 race for President that had tamped down after he took a job to be a CNN Contributor. However, it now appears that he is taking a page from fellow Democrat Stacey Abrams, he is expected today to announce a new group called Bring It Home Florida to register voters in preparation for the 2020 election. Not much is known about the group now, but it is likely the group will focus on assisting returning citizens in getting their voting rights restored after the overwhelming passage of Amendment 4 in November. The amendment was especially necessary because former governor turned Senator Rick Scott changed the rules governing restoration of voting rights that during his eight-year tenure less than 3,000 individuals had their voting rights restored. In comparison, his predecessor, former Gov. Charlie Crist restored the voting rights of over 100,000 individuals during his four-year term. John Oliver famously demonstrated the arbitrary nature of the states clemency process on his show last September calling it “absolutely insane.”
It is estimated that 1.4 million voters are now eligible to get their voting rights restored through the Republican-controlled legislature is attempting to roll back those rights by throwing roadblocks in the way of those seeking to restore their basic civil rights. One of the most egregious is the requirement that returning citizens will have to pay all outstanding court costs and fines before they can get their voting rights restored. Given the history of close elections in Florida and the GOPs general disdain for voter enfranchisement, it’s not a surprise they would try to do anything in their power to roll back or delay the expansion of voting rights in the state.
This announcement removes a potential 2020 contender in the crowded Democratic field but is good news for Floridians committed to ensuring that all citizens are included in the democratic process. It’s also a good move for Andrew Gillum who only at 39 can seek a rematch with DeSantis in 2022 or Rubio’s Senate seat with a more favorable electorate.