Bernie-backed leftist stuns in Florida Democratic gubernatorial primary

The huge upset victory by progressive Andrew Gillum in Florida’s Democratic primary for governor stole the headlines on Tuesday night, showcasing yet again just how unexpected primary results can be this year.

Gillum, armed with an endorsement from Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and campaigning on an unabashedly progressive agenda, unexpectedly defeated former Rep. Gwen Graham (D-Fla.), the daughter of a popular former governor and senator.

The victory gives the progressive wing of the Democratic Party another jolt of momentum, coming two months after democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the cycle by knocking off a longtime incumbent in New York’s primary.