Andrew Gillum recalls Kamala Harris’ advice to him during ‘dark’ time in rousing post
The former rising star in Florida politics says the vice presidential candidate was there for him when other 'friends' disappeared.
In a rousing post on Instagram, Andrew Gillum praised newly picked Democratic vice-presidential candidate, Kamala Harris, revealing the California senator was there for him during his “darkest periods” when other politician friends had “disappeared.”
“When I was going through one of my darkest periods over the past months, there were some people whose outreaches stood out to me. While many of my political “friends” did exactly what politicians do – disappear,” Gillum wrote in a post on Thursday.
“There were a few people who stood out to me for their compassion and friendship,” said the former candidate for Florida governor. “I shared in my first public comments that one piece of advice that impacted me deeply, was someone telling me to ‘remember to be kind to yourself.’ Well, that advice came from Kamala Harris.”
Read More: Andrew Gillum opens up about life after rehab and therapy
As theGrio previously reported, Gillum opened up last month about his time in rehab for alcoholism and seeking therapy for depression.
Gillum was once seen as a rising star in the Democratic party after launching a gubernatorial bid in November 2018 but lost to Ron DeSantis by half a percentage point.
The former mayor of Tallahassee became the center of controversy in March after he was found half-dressed, drunk, and passed out in a Miami Beach hotel room with an acquaintance, Travis Dyson, who suffered an apparent crystal meth overdose.
Gillum said it was a “wake up call” and sought treatment.
In his post dedicated to Harris, Gillum wrote, “At my personal lowest and unable to do anything to further her cause, she reached out to make sure that I was okay. Her act of compassion communicated to me her true character. I did not get involved in the Primary campaign, and didn’t endorse Harris or anyone else. But in my moment of personal need, she came to see about me.
“Will there be political policy difference with a Democratic administration, absolutely. But those differences pale in comparison to those we face with the current administration,” Gillum added.
Read More: Why we called for Black people to support, not shame, Andrew Gillum
He went on to make his case for why he’s supporting Harris and Biden in November and vowed to still hold them accountable if they were to be elected into office.
This is personal. The future of our country, our community and our families, is personal,” Gillum wrote. “I am proud to support a team of the caliber of Biden and Harris to become the next President and Vice President. When they win (if we do our jobs), I plan to be a voice helping to hold them accountable to their promises and the promise of our nation.”
theGrio’s Stephanie Guerilas contributed to this report.
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