safety
Ex-Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum arrested after drugs were found in his car, police say
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· July 7, 2026
· 3 min read
Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum has been arrested on drug possession charges in Alabama after police say they pulled him over for erratic driving and found marijuana and meth in his vehicle.It's the latest legal trouble for the ex-Tallahassee mayor, who narrowly lost to Republic
Key takeaway It's the latest legal trouble for the ex-Tallahassee mayor, who narrowly lost to Republican Ron DeSantis for governor in 2018 and was once considered a rising star of the Democratic Party.
Why this matters in The Miami
The arrest of Andrew Gillum in Alabama on drug possession charges raises questions about the personal struggles of a figure once prominent in Florida politics. For Miami residents, Gillum's history of seeking treatment for alcohol abuse and depression after a 2020 incident in a Miami Beach hotel room may evoke concerns about access to mental health resources and substance abuse support in the community. As a former gubernatorial candidate who campaigned on issues affecting South Florida, including sea-level rise and affordable housing, Gillum's troubles serve as a reminder that public figures are not immune to personal struggles. The incident also highlights the need for continued discussion about mental health and addiction in Miami's communities, including Little Havana and Wynwood, where residents may face unique challenges in accessing support services. As the case unfolds, Miamians will be watching to see how Gillum's situation is addressed and what it may mean for his future in public life.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum has been arrested on drug possession charges in Alabama after police say they pulled him over for erratic driving and found marijuana and meth in his vehicle.It's the latest legal trouble for the ex-Tallahassee mayor, who narrowly lost to Republic
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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