Gillum joining CNN as political commentator

Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (D) will join CNN as a political commentator.

Gillum announced the new role on Tuesday in a post on Twitter, saying he was “thrilled” to be joining the cable news outlet. 

Thrilled to be joining @CNN as a political commentator. pic.twitter.com/UpOC7MRKAz

— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) January 29, 2019

Gillum shot to the political forefront this fall when he was the Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Florida. He lost his bid in a tight race with Ron DeSantis (R).{mosads}

The race attracted campaign visits for Gillum from former President Obama.

Gillum is seen as a rising progressive star, with his name being floated as a possible candidate in a number of future races.

The former Tallahassee mayor has remained quiet on his future plans following his close loss last November, but his move to CNN gives him a public platform as he decides what is next.

He met with Obama in Washington, D.C., last December and delivered a speech to top donors to the Democratic Party as speculation about future plans swirled.

Gillum is the latest out-of-office politician to join CNN. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and former Reps. Mia Love (R-Utah) and Luis Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) signed with CNN earlier this month.