President tweets Andrew Gillum is a 'failed Socialist;' mayor says Trump talk not helpful Andrew Gillum won the Democratic nomination Tuesday after not once leading in any poll. Trump responds with a tweet to say Gillum is not what Florida wants or needs.

James Call, Bill Cotterell | Tallahassee Democrat

Show Caption Hide Caption Andrew Gillum, Ron DeSantis disagree on 5 things, agree on 1 One is backed by President Donald Trump, the other has Sen. Bernie Sanders' support.

President Donald J. Trump has jumped with both feet into Florida’s 2018 governor’s race to call the Democratic nominee a “failed Socialist.

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum scored a stunning upset Tuesday night when he became the first African-American to win the gubernatorial nomination of a major party in Florida.

Trump responded shortly after 8 a.m. with a tweet that Gillum is not what Florida wants or need.

"Not only did Congressman Ron DeSantis easily win the Republican Primary, but his opponent in November is his biggest dream....a failed Socialist Mayor named Andrew Gillum who has allowed crime & many other problems to flourish in his city. This is not what Florida wants or needs!, " the president tweeted from the White House.

Andrew Gillum's Day:

The President tweeted from the White House after Gillum made the rounds of cable morning talk shows on CNN and MSNBC.

Gillum would later respond to Trump tweeting "What our state and country needs is decency, hope, and leadership. If you agree, join us at http://AndrewGillum.com. Also, @ me next time, @realDonaldTrump."

Gillum also went on MSNBC this morning and said President Trump “looms in the shadows” of Florida’s political campaigns, so Democrats must concentrate on winning the votes of disillusioned citizens who don’t trust politicians.

In an interview on “Morning Joe," Gillum told former Pensacola Congressman Joe Scarborough he is not concerned about Republican Rep. Ron DeSantis having the president’s endorsement.

Not only did Congressman Ron DeSantis easily win the Republican Primary, but his opponent in November is his biggest dream....a failed Socialist Mayor named Andrew Gillum who has allowed crime & many other problems to flourish in his city. This is not what Florida wants or needs! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2018

The mayor said he won the Democratic nomination by convincing party members he can improve education, protect the environment and strengthen Florida’s economy — and predicted the same approach will work in the general election.

“We know that Donald Trump looms in the shadows here,” Gillum said. “I’ve got to be able to turn out those voters who are highly skeptical of the political process.”

DeSantis beat Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in the GOP primary largely on the strength of Trump’s endorsement. Gillum and other Democrats running for governor stressed their opposition to the president, who carried Florida’s 29 electoral votes two years ago.

Gillum wins the nomination for governor Andrew Gillum celebrates his victory as he wins the Democratic nomination for Governor

In his 7 a.m. appearance on MSNBC, Gillum said continuing to attack Trump won’t do much to motivate voters who are struggling to feed their families and get ahead.

“We believe that we have to talk to Floridians, and largely Floridians who have chosen not to participate in this political process,” he said. “Talking about Donald Trump and reminding folks about how bad he is, and how unqualified he is for the job he holds, doesn’t do anything to insure that they’re able to make ends meet, doesn’t do anything to assure that they have access to good health care, and a good education system and 21st century transportation, and a clean and good environment.