ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum has announced that he has decided to enter rehab, just a few days after being found in a Miami Beach hotel room possibly under the influence.
Police said they found Gillum in a room at the Mondrain Hotel where a man was being treated for a possible drug overdose.
“This has been a wake-up call for me,” Gillum said in a statement. “Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.”
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Officers said they discovered a bag in the room containing what they believe to be crystal methamphetamine.
Investigators said the men appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance.
Gillum said he was drunk when police got there.
“I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends,” Gillum said in a statement. “While I had too much to drink, I want to be clear that I have never used methamphetamines. I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement.”
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He said he is grateful to paramedics for their help.
“I will spend the next few weeks with my family and appreciate privacy during this time,” Gillum said.
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