U.S. Vice President Mike Pence rallied in support of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis at a campaign in Jacksonville Thursday.
Desantis was joined by Pence at the rally, which was held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. The event drew more than 300 supporters.
DeSantis kicked off the rally by doubling down on his attacks of Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Andrew Gillum, saying his opponent lied about receiving “Hamilton” tickets from an undercover FBI agent who was investigating corruption at Tallahassee City Hall.
Gillum has steadfastly maintained he is innocent of any wrongdoing
DeSantis also touted President Donald Trump’s support of his campaign.
“I’ll leave you in the words of our friends at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue,” DeSantis said, quoting Trump, “‘Ron DeSantis is a great leader, a proud veteran, a tough, brillant cookie who would make a great governor of Florida.’”
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Pence echoed the president’s sentiment, saying “The Trump administration has no greater friend than DeSantis.”
“It is a choice between resistance and results,” Pence said about the race. “And Florida needs to choose DeSantis to get results.”
Among the rally-goers were 38-year-old Jessy Valerio and her 16-year-old daughter Gabby. Valerio said she was pleased what she heard. “I know they’re politicians, but they were great and seemed like they cared about us,” she said. “I am glad my daughter got to see it.”
Pence implored the crowd to not only vote, but to also encourage their loved ones to vote.
“Friends don’t let friends vote alone. Go get a family member, a coworker, a friend, and get them to vote for Ron Desantis,” Pence said.
Pence’s rally comes three days after former Vice President Joe Biden held a similar campaign rally for Gillum and Sen. Bill Nelson at the University of South Florida.
