Andrew Gillum: Sanders-backed progressive could become Florida's first black governor after stunning Democratic primary upset

Tallahassee mayor overcomes crowded field to take nomination following late surge in polls

A progressive, Bernie Sanders-backed Democrat could become Florida’s first-ever African-American governor after he defeated a crowded field to win the party's primary election.

Andrew Gillum, current mayor of Tallahassee secured his party's nomination after a late surge in the polls.

The 39-year-old's campaign was backed by the veteran left wing senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Mr Sanders.

He will now face off against Ron DeSantis, who backed by Donald Trump, won the Republican Party primary against more moderate opponents.

Mr Gillum’s victory will be seen as a win for the liberal wing of the party, which has seen a surge in popularity since Mr Sanders’ challenged Hillary Clinton for the Democrat presidential nomination and Mr Trump's election victory.

Although he was was outspent by a number of rivals in the nomination race, he overcame the favourite, former congresswoman Gwen Graham, following a huge increase in the number of primary voters compared to previous elections. Ms Graham, whose father, Bob Graham, served as governor, had hoped to position herself to become the state's first female to hold the position.

In total more than 1.4 million people voted, an increase of almost 70 per cent on 2014's Democratic primary. Mr Gillum won 34 per cent of the vote, Ms Graham’s 31 per cent.

It comes after Mr Gillum expressed support for a host of progressive positions, including universal healthcare, the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Mr Trump’s impeachment. He was the only candidate in the race who was not a millionaire or billionaire.

Taking to Twitter after his victory, Mr Gillum told voters to “bring it home” in November’s general election.

“Tonight, we proved what's possible when people come together & show up to build [Florida] into a better state for all,” he wrote. “I'm truly honoured to represent people across the state as the Democratic nominee -- and I promise to stand up for everyday Floridians and the issues that matter most.”

His win sets up a fierce autumn showdown in the nation's largest political battleground with congressman Mr DeSantis, who built his campaign on the support he received from Mr Trump.

"I’m not always the most popular guy in DC, but I did have support from someone in Washington, Mr DeSantis told supporters following his victory. “If you walk down Pennsylvania, he lives in the White House with the pillars in front of it.”

On Wednesday morning, Mr Trump addressed the governor's race, tweeting: "Not only did Congressman Ron DeSantis easily win the Republican Primary, but his opponent in November is his biggest dream....a failed Socialist Mayor named Andrew Gillum who has allowed crime & many other problems to flourish in his city. This is not what Florida wants or needs!"

Florida governor Rick Scott is vacating the governor's mansion to run for the senate. He easily won his primary, setting up a showdown with Democratic senator Bill Nelson that is expected to be one of the nation's most competitive races.

Mr Gillum is his party's third black gubernatorial nominee this campaign season, along with Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Ben Jealous in Maryland. His victory comes as Democrats have elevated an increasingly diverse field of candidates, including women, African-Americans and Muslims.

The slate of candidates heading into the fall campaign is seen as a manifestation of the party's resistance in the racially charged atmosphere of the Trump era.

In Arizona, Martha McSally fended off a pair of conservative challengers to carry the Republican senate primary to fill the seat vacated by retiring senator Jeff Flake. That race was shadowed by the death of John McCain, a towering figure who represented Arizona in the senate for six terms. Governor Doug Ducey will name McCain's replacement after the senator's funeral.

Elsewhere, voters in Oklahoma backed mortgage company owner Kevin Stitt in a Republican runoff for the gubernatorial nomination. Mr Stitt won in part by criticising his opponent as insufficiently supportive of Mr Trump.

The contests in both Florida and Arizona were being watched for signs of how the states might tilt in the 2020 presidential election.

Mr McCain's death has highlighted anew the shift in the Republican Party since he captured the Republican nomination for president in 2008.

With his consistently conservative voting record, Arizonans elected Mr McCain to the senate six times, including in 2016. But his more moderate stance on immigration and his deciding vote last year against Mr Trump's efforts to repeal President Barack Obama's healthcare law turned off many GOP voters.

A CNN survey in June found that 67 percent of Democrats had a favourable opinion of Mr McCain, while just 33 percent of Republicans did.