Bernie Sanders endorses Andrew Gillum to be Florida Governor "It’s an honor," said Gillum of Sanders' endorsement. "He has been an unapologetic fighter for everyday working people standing up to the special interests"

James Call | Tallahassee Democrat

In just a matter of two years, Andrew Gillum has gone from a potential Hillary Clinton running mate to Bernie Sanders' man in the Florida governor's race.

In an announcement Wednesday morning, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., endorsed Gillum in the Democratic primary to be governor.

Gillum trails frontrunners former Congresswoman Gwen Graham and former Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine in the five-candidate race. Sanders, a potential presidential candidate in 2020, cited Gillum’s stance on pocketbook issues as the deciding factor in throwing his support to Gillum.

“As governor, Andrew Gillum will work to provide health care for all through a Medicare-for-All program, raise the minimum wage to a living wage, invest in sustainable energy, improve education, make sure the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share of taxes, and be welcoming to immigrants,” said Sanders.

“Andrew has never backed down from a fight, including beating the NRA and standing up against xenophobic politicians. Andrew Gillum will set a new course for Florida — a governor who represents all the people and not just powerful special interests.”

Gillum has run as the most progressive candidate in the crowded Democratic field. He has tailored his campaign to appeal to the coalition of young and minority voters that boosted Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

Sanders ran an insurgent campaign against eventual nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Gillum was a Clinton delegate to the Philadelphia convention and was included on a list of potential running mates.

Related: Hacked emails: Gillum was Clinton VP contender

Gillum greeted President Donald Trump’s Tampa visit Tuesday with a tweet reminding Trump he has called for his impeachment.

Gillum has been especially critical of the president’s immigration policies. After Trump urged voters to support Congressman Ron DeSantis, who features Trump’s call for a border wall in campaign commercials, Trump described a Democratic challenger clearly referencing Gillum.

“You have somebody, one of the group, is going to be running on open borders, anti-ICE, anti-law enforcement,” Trump said.

Within minutes of Sanders tweeting his endorsement, Gillum responded.

“It’s an honor to have Senator Bernie Sanders’ endorsement in this campaign,” said Gillum. “From Medicare-for-All, to a $15 minimum wage, his ideas and platform have become the Democratic Party’s north star on economic justice for those who need it most.”

Sanders’ endorsement comes on the heels of a $1 million ad buy for the Gillum campaign by The Collective, a super PAC working to support black candidates and an endorsement by NextGen. It will contribute $1 million to the effort and the grassroots organization's benefactor, billionaire Tom Steyer, will add another $500,000 to the Florida campaign.

The primary election is on Aug. 28.

A July Mason-Dixon poll had Gillum in fourth place with 10 percent. Graham leads with 27 percent of support followed by Levine at 18 percent, and Jeff Greene 12 percent.

Reporter James Call can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com.