Florida Gov. Rick Scott's response to Hurricane Irma has given his profile a boost just before he's expected to run for Senate, The Hill reports.
Republican leaders have urged Scott, who is term-limited as governor, to challenge Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., in 2018. Until Irma, he hadn't faced a large-scale storm in his time in office, but many applauded his organization efforts.
Scott "came up to bat having never been through a huge storm," Republican consultant Anthony Pedicini told the Hill. "This was a storm that was going to affect the entire state and the most populated portions of the state. This guy has handled it like he's done it every day."
GOP strategist Chris Ingram described the crisis as a "moment for [Scott] to shine," telling the Hill that "it solidifies his position as a leading contender in the Republican field."
Ingram added, "I think he's pretty determined he's going to do it and this just kind of helps scare away any potential challengers to him."
"Bill Nelson is almost a staple in Florida," Pedicini continued. "But I think this is a defining moment [for Scott] in that, as the restoration and rebuilding continues here in day five ... I think he has even more chances to shine."
President Donald Trump publicly urged Scott to run, saying in front of an audience in Florida that the governor is "doing a great job," and saying, "I hope he runs for Senate."
A Democratic consultant with experience working on Nelson's previous campaign told the Hill that the senator likely will likely urge Congress to pass a bipartisan relief package for Irma.
"When it comes to hurricanes — and we're very familiar with hurricanes — the aftermath is where leaders are made or broken," Kevin Cate said.
"Sen. Nelson has been through a number of storms and understands the state and federal partnership that's required, and I would expect him to be working diligently for the good of the state."