Mitch Perry
Anne Gannon, the tax collector for Palm Beach County and a delegate for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention last summer, has endorsed Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum for governor in 2018.
“As a local elected official, I know firsthand the challenges facing Floridians, from an economy that has disproportionately led to low-wage jobs, an education system that is overly reliant on high-stakes testing, and a lack of 21st-century infrastructure,” Gannon said in a statement. “I deal with these problems on a daily basis, and it is my calling to ensure I’m improving on them for my constituents, and not playing politics-as-usual like our Governor and Republican Legislature.
“I endorse Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum for Governor because he has the experience and vision to make life better for every one of my constituents. Mayor Gillum has made Tallahassee a great place to raise a family, start a business, and put children on the path to success. I enthusiastically endorse him and look forward to sharing his experience and vision with my constituents.”
“It’s humbling to have the endorsement of an influential leader like Anne Gannon,” said Gillum. “As the first woman to hold her Palm Beach County position, Anne has spent her entire career serving others as a distinguished public servant and tireless advocate for women and children, protecting victims of domestic violence and cracking down on human trafficking. I look forward to campaigning with her!”
The 37-year-old Gillum announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for 2018 a month ago, and has been busy crisscrossing the state and collecting endorsements ever since.
State Representatives Ramon Alexander and Loranne Ausley, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan, Osceola County Commissioner Viviana Janer, Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe and Gainesville City Commissioner Adrian Hayes-Santos have all endorsed his candidacy.
In an appearance in Tampa earlier this month, Gillum said his biggest challenge would be fundraising, which certainly could be the case if financial heavyweights like Orlando attorney and entrepreneur John Morgan and/or Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine get in the race.
