DEMS/ELECTION/GOP/TRUMP PEOPLE: “Liberal mayor Andrew Gillum pulled off a stunning upset in the Democratic primary for Florida governor on Tuesday [8-28-18], beating several better-funded rivals to set up a November showdown against a Republican aligned with President Donald Trump. The Tallahassee mayor would be the state’s first black governor if he wins. He beat moderate Gwen Graham, a former U.S. representative and daughter of a prominent Florida politician, after running as an unabashed progressive who backed ‘Medicare for all,’ impeaching Trump and standing up to the National Rifle Association. Gillum, 39, will square off in November against Republican U.S. Representative Ron DeSantis, a conservative who won his primary by touting his closeness to Trump, in one of the country’s top governor’s races. The November battle between progressives and conservative Trump Republicans will be closely watched by both parties for clues about the mood of voters and messaging ahead of 2020, when Trump could be seeking re-election against a liberal Democrat. It also represents a change in direction for Florida Democrats, who have been out of the governor’s office in the state for 20 years; two more moderate candidates fell short against Rick Scott in 2010 and 2014.”
–John Whitesides, Letitia Stein, “Liberal Democrat and Trump-backed Republican to face off for Florida governor,” Reuters, August 28, 2018 3:09 am