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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGillum withdraws from politics after link to suspected drug overdose
TALLAHASSEE Andrew Gillum said he would withdraw from public life, closing a chapter in his career that took him from the peak of Florida power to a Miami Beach hotel room where he was found inebriated with a man suspected of overdosing on crystal meth.
This has been a wake-up call for me, the former Tallahassee mayor said in a written statement Sunday. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated. I also know that alcoholism is often a symptom of deeper struggles.
"I will be stepping down from all public facing roles for the foreseeable future, he wrote.
Gillum said he would enter a rehabilitation facility. He apologized and asked for privacy.
The one-time gubernatorial candidate will give up the reins of Forward Florida, a political committee he founded to register and motivate voters to defeat President Donald Trump in the battleground state.
https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2020/03/15/gillum-withdraws-from-politics-after-link-to-suspected-drug-overdose-1267145
StarfishSaver
(18,486 posts)tblue37
(65,212 posts)cilla4progress
(24,713 posts)I thought he had a bright future!
GemDigger
(4,305 posts)Skittles
(153,104 posts)yes indeed
tragic story
aikoaiko
(34,161 posts)qanda
(10,422 posts)I had high hopes for him. His wife must be devastated. 😔
SCantiGOP
(13,862 posts)have brought down many a good person.
Phoenix61
(16,992 posts)speak and was so impressed. I hope he gets the care he needs and comes back stronger than ever.
mr_lebowski
(33,643 posts)At least he has (I would think) the resources to get some help if he feels it's out of control.