Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson got a strong vote of support from Puerto Rican Gov. Ricardo Rossello, who announced in Orlando Monday that he endorsed Nelson's campaign for re-election to the Senate.
The endorsement by the island’s top-elected official has been considered a must-have by Nelson's GOP-opponent, Rick Scott, as both campaigns have worked to solidify support from Florida’s growing Puerto Rican community in the final weeks of the race.
Rossello spoke at a news conference Monday morning in Orlando, saying he believed in Bill Nelson.
He also said he was grateful for Nelson's longstanding relationship for the people of Puerto Rico.
Rossello specifically cited Nelson’s work to help the island's Medicaid program avoid bankruptcy; his efforts to secure additional Community Development Block Grants to help the island recover and rebuild after Hurricane Maria hit; and his fight to secure additional funding for federal food assistance programs to help the people in the wake of the storm.
Rossello is the third current or former governor of Puerto Rico to endorse Nelson in his bid for re-election.