MIAMI (WSVN) - A voter registration rally in Coral Gables headlined by former first lady Michelle Obama was part of a jam-packed day of politics in South Florida, as the state’s Republican and Democratic gubernatorial candidates worked hard to energize supporters with just over a month to go before the midterm elections.
Obama said she took part in the “When We All Vote” event, held Friday evening at the University of Miami, as part of a nationwide tour to get out the vote. The last stop in the tour took place at the Watsco Center.
“Well, hello, Miami!” said Obama, her hands on her hips as she greeted the cheering crowd.
The former first lady said her aim is to increase voter participation in upcoming elections, regardless of voters’ political affiliation.
“It’s about helping everyone recognize something that feels important to them, even if it’s only one thing,” she said.
But Obama wasn’t the only renowned figure to speak at the event. The star studded lineup who took to the stage before her included actor Keegan-Michael Key and rapper Fat Joe.
Meanwhile, earlier on Friday, Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis met with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, as he continued to stump for votes.
“I’m always happy to be in Miami with the Chamber of Commerce here,” he said. “This is a place that obviously has a lot of great things going on, and we want to keep that going.”
Friday night, DeSantis’ Democratic opponent, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, attended a meet-and-greet event with voters at the Ball & Chain club along Southwest Eighth Street in Little Havana.
“We’re encouraging people to organize, organize, organize,” said Gillum. “We know that Florida is a 1 percent state. Democrats have lost the last two races for governor by less than 70,000 votes.”
DeSantis is fresh off a dominant GOP primary win and an endorsement from President Donald Trump. Hillary Clinton has recently thrown her support behind Gillum.
New polling shows the two candidates in a dead heat.
Michelle Obama has not endorsed any candidate. She said she wants to focus in ensuring people register and go to the polls.
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