Gillum rallies supporters in Orlando
Democratic nominee for governor Andrew Gillum spent Sunday on a bus tour of Central Florida, campaigning during the home stretch of the early voting period before the Nov. 6 election.
About two hundred supporters, many in the Muslim community, packed a small banquet room at Apna Bazaar — on South Orange Blossom Trail near Florida’s Turnpike — to hear Gillum and Lt. Governor nominee Chris King speak.
Gillum’s 13-minute speech was heavily critical of his Republican opponent Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump, whom he said has been “working overtime to see our communities divided.”
A day after 11 people were gunned down inside of a Pittsburgh synagogue, Gillum said it’s important for voters to stand up against the “dangerous rhetoric” of Trump, who has campaigned for DeSantis in Florida.
“While my opponent is running around the state, stirring up fears, and hatred and division, we’re here giving people a reason to vote for something and not just against something,” Gillum said. “Instead of him being willing to stand in solidarity with our communities, it’s the same candidate who ran a commercial enlisting his family to build Trump’s wall.”
Gillum was also critical of DeSantis for his opposition to the Affordable Care Act. DeSantis, who voted many times to repeal the law as a member of Congress, has been critical of the costs, taxes and requirements that he said hurts businesses and consumers.
“It’s not just a shame, in my opinion, it’s disqualifying for anybody who wants to be governor of the state of Florida,” Gillum told the crowd.
Gillum has said he would push to expand Medicaid under the law to get more coverage for Floridians, which DeSantis is against.
Gillum and King also made stops in Kissimmee on Sunday with Central Florida Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Darren Soto and state Sen. Victor Torres and Orlando, and ended the evening at a gospel concert at Majestic Life Church with pastors from Orlando congregations.
Early voting continues until Nov. 4 in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties and Nov. 3 in Lake County.