MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Former Representative Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is challenging Senator Rick Scott for his seat, in a race that could help determine control of the United States Senate.
Mucarsel-Powell said her story is resonating with many Floridians as someone whose family fled violence in their native Ecuador and came to our state in pursuit of the American Dream.
“Puerto Ricans, they're a little upset with the comment the comedian said the other day,” said restraint owner Mariano Palenzuela.
Palenzuela is talking about comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who while at Former President Donald Trump’s rally, compared Puerto Rico to a floating island of garbage.
Palenzuela is Puerto Rican and takes offense. His grandmother opened El Bajareque Restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. It's where Muscarel-Powell made one last stop to speak with voters.
"Puerto Ricans really have made this state be where it's at,” said Muscarel-Powell. “It's insulting. It's shameful. We need to make sure that Puerto Ricans are respected just like every other community. When they started attacking Puerto Ricans, it's an attack on all of us."
On social media, Sen. Scott wrote: "This joke bombed for a reason. It's not funny and it's not true. Puerto Ricans are amazing people and amazing Americans! I’ve been to the island many times. It’s a beautiful place. Everyone should visit! I will always do whatever I can to help any Puerto Rican in Florida or on the island.”
Ultimately Palenzuela wants to see change with more help prioritized to the island.
“They definitely need more help, they're still recovering from all the hurricanes,” said Palenzuela.
Muscarel-Powell said this is a race that so many people dismissed at the beginning but now she and Scott are within the margin of error. She believes the independent voters may have the final say.
“People need to come out and vote, so we are watching those numbers,” she said. “I think the independents are coming out at really high numbers and we know that independent voters are supporting us in this race.”
“We've had unbelievably Republican turnout, so you have to feel good about where we are,” said Scott.