Jeff Burlew

Democrat senior writer

Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum’s name appeared on an early list of contenders for Hillary Clinton’s running mate, according to an email reportedly hacked from her campaign director’s account.

Gillum was among 39 people listed in the email, which was posted Tuesday on WikiLeaks. John Podesta, Clinton’s campaign chief, sent the email to the former secretary of state on March 17, two days after she won Democratic primaries in five states, including Florida, the document indicates.

In the email, Podesta described the list as a “first cut” of potential running mates. It included a wide range of people from politics and business, including former Attorney General Eric Holder, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Clinton's eventual pick, Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

“That’s awesome,” said Steve Vancore, a Democratic consultant and pollster. “What else can you say? It’s an honor to be considered.”

Lance deHaven-Smith, professor emeritus in political science at Florida State University, said it's a sure sign Gillum is being groomed for higher office.

“What it means is he’s caught the attention of top leaders in the Democratic Party, which is likely to be significant in the years ahead,” he said. “A lot of times, the political party recruits people to run for particular offices. And I would expect something like that or an appointment, high level, that would springboard him into high office.”

Gillum, 37, became the youngest person ever elected to the City Commission in 2003, when he was 23 years old and still enrolled at Florida A&M University. He was elected mayor in a lopsided 2014 victory against two virtual unknowns. He considered a run for Congress in the newly drawn 5th District but opted against it earlier this year.

The mayor did not immediately respond to questions about the email. His chief of staff, Dustin Daniels, said he was "not available to comment on this."

His colleagues on the City Commission expressed pride he was considered for the post.

Commissioner and former Mayor Scott Maddox said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Gillum. Commissioner Curtis Richardson said the email signaled Gillum was truly in the running.

“I think the fact that he made that short of a list suggested that he had a shot at it,” Richardson said.

But Jon Ausman, Florida’s longest serving member of the Democratic National Committee, said Gillum’s chances of getting the nod were essentially nonexistent.

“If Andrew becomes a United States senator or governor with years of experience, it would be more understandable for him to be on that list,” he said.

The mayor first met Bill and Hillary Clinton about a decade ago during a Democratic Party fundraiser in Miami. But the meeting was very brief, Gillum said in a previous interview with the Tallahassee Democrat.

Earlier this year, Hillary Clinton’s campaign began reaching out to Gillum to see whether he would join her team. In February, former President Clinton unexpectedly called him seeking his support. A few days later, Gillum met in Washington with Podesta in Washington, D.C. to discuss his possible role in the campaign.

Not long after that, Gillum began campaigning for Clinton, making appearances in South Carolina and Kentucky ahead of those states' primaries. Over the summer, he served as a delegate and got coveted speaking time during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

At least two lists of potential vice presidential picks circulated within the Clinton campaign, the WikiLeaks documents indicate. Another email, between Podesta and another Clinton campaign official, didn't include some people who were later added to the list, including former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Gillum's name appeared on both lists.

The Obama administration, the FBI and Podesta himself have pointed to Russia as being behind the hacked emails. Podesta and other top Democrats have accused the Kremlin of interfering in the election to help GOP nominee Donald Trump.

More reactions

“Andrew Gillum’s talents continue to be recognized on the national stage. That is great news for Tallahassee. I couldn’t be prouder of him and for our great city.”

— City Commissioner Scott Maddox

“I think it’s interesting that the Democrats are so serious about building their bench, something that’s been lacking in Florida.”

— Lance deHaven-Smith, FSU professor emeritus

“Podesta certainly knows the qualifications and leadership abilities necessary to do the job. I think it’s a huge honor for Mayor Gillum that his work is being recognized but also an honor of the city of Tallahassee and the state of Florida.”

— Sean Pittman, longtime Gillum campaign consultant

“With incidents such as (Gillum’s) political reaction to citizens without power during hurricane Hermine, we must make sure our city is governed for the benefit of its residents, not just through the political prism of someone looking to move on to higher office.

— Evan Power, chairman of the Leon County Republican Party

Contact Jeff Burlew at jburlew@tallahassee.com or follow @JeffBurlew on Twitter.