Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum said in an interview that aired Thursday on "Rising" that black politicians are held to a different standard.

"I definitely think we're held to a different standard, and I try not to spend a lot of time on what that is, rather focusing on what my contributions are, and how we push past it," Gillum told Hill.TV's Jamal Simmons on Saturday.

"They don't expect much of me to begin with. They certainly didn't expect me to be here, and now they're having to wrap their heads around what it means to have someone like me on the state and the national scene," he said.

"I think their muscle memory about politics and elected officials forces them to see me in the most cynical light," he said.

The interview was conducted days after The New York Times published a story describing Gillum as an ambitious political insider with alliances placed with power players.

"I don't tend to take on journalists because they play an important role, but I think it's important to be able to tell the truth in that process as well," Gillum said when asked about the piece.

"Quite frankly, The New York Times, as respected an outlet as it may be, ain't what the voters who I need are reading," he later added.

Gillum has faced criticism for the ongoing FBI corruption probe into possible corruption in his city government.

The mayor is not under FBI investigation and has called for anyone found to have taken part in wrongdoing to be held accountable.

Gillum is in a tight race with former Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.), and leads the former congressman by only 1 point, according to a St. Pete Polls released on Monday.

— Julia Manchester