
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (D) will join CNN as a political commentator.
Gillum announced the new role on Tuesday in a post on Twitter, saying he was “thrilled” to be joining the cable news outlet.
Thrilled to be joining @CNN as a political commentator. pic.twitter.com/UpOC7MRKAz
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) January 29, 2019
Gillum shot to the political forefront this fall when he was the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Florida. He lost his bid in a tight race with Ron DeSantisRon DeSantisPress: CPAC vote was no big win for Trump DeSantis approval ticks upward in new poll Trump: 'I can't imagine' any Republican would beat me in 2024 primary if I run MORE (R).
The race attracted campaign visits for Gillum from former President Obama.
Gillum is seen as a rising progressive star, with his name being floated as a possible candidate in a number of future races.
The former Tallahassee mayor has remained quiet on his future plans following his close loss last November, but his move to CNN gives him a public platform as he decides what is next.
He met with Obama in Washington, D.C., last December and delivered a speech to top donors to the Democratic Party as speculation about future plans swirled.
Gillum is the latest out-of-office politician to join CNN. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and former Reps. Mia LoveLudmya (Mia) LoveVoters elected a record number of Black women to Congress this year — none were Republican Democrats lead in diversity in new Congress despite GOP gains McAdams concedes to Owens in competitive Utah district MORE (R-Utah) and Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) signed with CNN earlier this month.