Former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum arrested

Andrew Gillum, the former Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was arrested last week in Alabama on multiple drug-related charges. The arrest marks the latest legal setback for the one-time rising political star whose career has been marred by personal and legal controversies since his narrow 2018 election loss.

Gillum, 46, was taken into custody by police in Daphne, Alabama, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He was booked into the Baldwin County jail on charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released the same day. According to an incident report, Gillum was pulled over for driving erratically. Officers allegedly found three grams of methamphetamine, eight pre-rolled marijuana joints, four cut straws, three pipes, and a bong in his possession. If convicted of the marijuana offense, he could face up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

The arrest comes six years after a high-profile incident in Miami Beach. In March 2020, Gillum was found in a hotel room with a male escort who appeared to be suffering from a possible overdose. Police body camera footage showed prescription pill bottles in the room, and officers...