Scott urges Republicans to vote in his tight race

ARCADIA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sen. Rick Scott made a stop in DeSoto County on the eve of Election Day. He spoke to local Republicans about making sure they all cast their ballot.

"I've gone to every county. Every county is important," Scott said.

The agriculture industry is a key economic engine for DeSoto County. The senator said he also visits each county to listen to voters.

"Here there might be more farm issues than there is in some other counties," Scott said.

THE OTHER SIDE | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell shares final message with voters

Political experts say Scott is in a tight race with former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.

"I'm optimistic we are going to have a big win," Scott said.

Scott credits that optimism to the number of early votes cast by Republicans statewide. However, he told a group of GOP members there's more work to be done.

"If you have an absentee ballot, it's going to be too late to probably mail it. Take it to the office of the supervisor of elections tomorrow," Scott said. State numbers show more than 220,000 Republican vote-by-mail ballots have not been returned, as of Monday.

The senator also told the crowd he spoke to Monday that he's not only rallying support for his race.

"Freedom is on the ballot. A secure border is on the ballot. A better economy is on the ballot," Scott said.

The senator plans to travel to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa on Election Day before ending the night in Bonita Springs.