Neo-Nazi Group Targets Andrew Gillum With Racist Robocalls Ahead Of Florida's Election

Andrew Gillum is on the cusp of making history in Florida, and now his opponents are pulling out all of the stops to prevent him from becoming the Sunshine State’s first Black governor. After an impressive showing in the gubernatorial debate over the weekend, Gillum is currently ahead of his opponent, former Congressman Ron DeSantis, in most polls, and apparently, that has some people shook. Recently, some Florida voters received racist robocalls from someone with an antiquated and offensive “Black accent” claiming to be Gillum. The call reportedly opens with the phrase, “I is the Negro Andrew Gillum” and includes “jungle noises” in the background.

Race-baiting robocall appears to be going around Florida again. A voicemail recording of the call that we've obtained is astonishing—it opens with "I is the negro Andrew Gillum." A similar robocall went around after the primary: https://t.co/dC15QMifUY #FLGov pic.twitter.com/ojoE2i61Gp

— Alexandra Jaffe (@ajjaffe) October 23, 2018

The robocall was paid for by the Road to Power, a neo-Nazi group that has pulled similar tactics in the past, including during Gillum’s primary run. Geoff Burgan, communications director for Gillum’s campaign, called the stunt “reprehensible.” “This is reprehensible — and could only have come from someone with intentions to fuel hatred and seek publicity. Please don’t give it undeserved attention,” Burgan said. Despite getting into his own controversy shortly after the primary for encouraging Florida voters not to “monkey this up” and choose Gillum in November, the DeSantis campaign also put out a statement condemning the calls, labeling them as “absolutely appalling and disgusting.” “Hopefully whoever is behind this has to answer for this despicable action,” Stephen Lawson said. “Our campaign has and will continue to focus solely on the issues that Floridians care about and uniting our state as we continue to build on our success.”