Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate and onetime Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum has joined CNN as a political commentator, despite his ongoing ethics investigations.

What's the story?

In a tweet on Tuesday Gillum said he was "thrilled to be joining CNN as a political commentator."

Thrilled to be joining @CNN as a political commentator. 📺 👊🏾🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UpOC7MRKAz

— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) January 29, 2019

Gillum conceded the governorship of Florida to Republican Ron DeSantis after a nearly two-week-long recount process. Despite his general election loss, he had clinched his party's nomination in a stunning primary upset.

Gillum's campaign was plagued by his proximity to an FBI investigation that had looked into allegations of corruption in the Tallahassee government while he was mayor of the city.

Gillum is accused of accepting favors, including tickets to the popular Broadway play, "Hamilton," from an undercover FBI agent posing as a land developer.

Evidence released during the campaign suggested that Gillum may have personally been under investigation. Gillum has insisted throughout that he is completely innocent.

What did the Ethics Commission say?

On Friday, the Florida Ethics Commission determined there was probable cause that Gillum had failed to report gifts he had accepted from lobbyists and vendors. These included trips to Costa Rica and a trip to the Statue of Liberty, as well as the "Hamilton" tickets. State officials in Florida cannot legally accept any gift worth more than $100.

After the news of Friday's ethics complaint broke, Gillum's attorney said that his client has nothing to worry about and plans to request a public hearing.



There has also been speculation that Gillum might consider a 2020 presidential bid. He has met with former President Barack Obama and some Democratic donors, but has so far not said whether or not he plans to run.