Former Florida gubernatorial candidate and ex-Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was arrested on July 2, 2026, in Daphne, Alabama, on multiple drug-related charges. The arrest, which came to light on July 7, 2026, marks the latest legal challenge for the former political rising star.
Details of the Arrest
According to the Daphne Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop around 10:45 p.m. on July 2 after observing Gillum driving erratically. During the stop, officers reported seeing a glass pipe on the vehicle’s center console, which led to a probable cause search of the car.
Law enforcement officials stated that the search resulted in the discovery of:
- Several rolled marijuana cigarettes.
- Three packages of a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Gillum, 46, was booked into the Daphne City Jail and subsequently transported to the Baldwin County Correctional Facility. He faces charges of possession of dangerous drugs (a felony), marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from custody the following day, July 3.
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Political Background and History
Andrew Gillum’s career has seen significant highs and lows. Once considered one of the Democratic Party’s most promising leaders, he served as the Mayor of Tallahassee from 2014 to 2018.
- The 2018 Gubernatorial Bid: Gillum gained national attention during his 2018 campaign for Governor of Florida. He narrowly lost to Ron DeSantis in one of the closest races in state history, finishing less than one percentage point behind.
- 2020 Miami Beach Incident: In March 2020, Gillum was found in a Miami Beach hotel room during an investigation into a suspected drug overdose involving another individual. While no charges were filed, Gillum subsequently withdrew from public life for a period to seek treatment for alcohol abuse and depression.
- 2022 Federal Indictment: In 2022, Gillum faced federal charges regarding alleged conspiracy and wire fraud related to campaign donations. His 2023 trial ended in a hung jury on the primary charges and an acquittal on charges of lying to federal agents.
Most recently, Gillum has been active as a co-host of the Native Land Pod, which received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News and Information Podcast in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where was Andrew Gillum arrested?
He was arrested in Daphne, Alabama, a city located on the Gulf Coast near Mobile.
What are the specific charges against him?
He is charged with possession of dangerous drugs (a felony), marijuana possession (a misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (a misdemeanor).
Has Andrew Gillum commented on the arrest?
As of July 8, 2026, Gillum has not released a public statement regarding the incident.