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Rep. Ron DeSantis, Republican of Florida, and candidate for Florida Governor, speaks during a rally with President Donald Trump at Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall in Tampa, Florida, on July 31, 2018
With Trump’s backing, DeSantis easily beat the more traditional Republican choice in state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. The general election race will pose a clash of ideologies, between the liberal economic policy championed by Gillum and the Trump conservatism espoused by DeSantis.
It only took a few hours after his victory for DeSantis to spark backlash.
Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday morning, the representative said Florida voters should not “monkey it up” and vote for what he called Gillum’s “socialist agenda.” DeSantis’ campaign denied the comment had any racial intent. But critics quickly seized on the remarks as racist.
“It’s disgusting that Ron DeSantis is launching his general election campaign with racist dog whistles,” Terrie Rizzo, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, said in a tweet that Gillum’s campaign shared.
Rizzo tweet
Gillum has backed positions such as Medicare for all, a $15-per-hour minimum wage, and restrictions on assault-style rifles and high-capacity magazines. Trump attacked Gillum Wednesday morning, describing him as a “failed Socialist Mayor” and “not what Florida wants or needs!” The Tallahassee mayor responded that “what our state and country needs is decency, hope and leadership.”
Gillum tweet
DeSantis has channeled Trump in pushing to reduce corporate taxes and regulation while promising to take a tougher stance on illegal immigration.
One factor that could follow Gillum throughout the race is an FBI investigation into corruption in the Tallahassee government. The mayor, who was not personally implicated, has said he has no tolerance for corruption.
