Philadelphia could soon have its first Latino mayor.

Former common pleas court judge Nelson Diaz, 67, is running for mayor for the U.S.'s fifth-largest city.

The Puerto Rican has received support from the commonwealth island, including its governor, Alejandro Garcia Padilla. According to Diaz's office, the support from Puerto Rico encompasses "every major political faction" in the island, including pro-and-anti-statehood parties.

"It's important to support candidates who have committed their lives to service," said Garcia Padilla in a statement. "It's vital that Puerto Ricans living in Philadelphia match the high voter participation rates we have here on the Island. I'm going to play my part and help educate the voters about the importance of the May primary in Philadelphia - just as I did in last year's elections in Florida and Connecticut."

In the mainland U.S., Diaz received political support from House of Representatives Democratic Caucus Chairman and U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif. Becerra said a victory for Diaz would be symbolic for everyone, especially as the city will host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. He acknowledged Diaz's stance on education and its connections to immigrant families and people living in poverty.

"Nelson and I are both the children of migrants who were looking to build a better life for their families, and we both understand what it takes to come from very little and make it in America," said Becerra in a statement.

"Philadelphia needs a mayor with Nelson's drive, passion, and ideas. The big challenges we'll face in the 21st Century can only be met by leaders with bold ideas who won't take no for an answer and won't give up in the face of opposition. That's who Nelson is, and that's why I'm going to do my part to make sure he's elected on May 19," continued Becerra.

Diaz also received support from the Latino Victory Fund.

As far as his campaign goes, Diaz is running to reform the city's education system and is in favor of raising the minimum wage to $15. He stated he wants to reform Philadelphia's tax structure, referring to it as a hindrance for new businesses and small business growth.

Raised in Harlem, N.Y., Diaz also has connections with the Clintons. Diaz served as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) General Counsel during President Bill Clinton's administration.

Diaz was originally not alone with the hopes of becoming the first Latino mayor in Philadelphia. Ken Trujillo, Philadelphia's former city solicitor, withdrew his bid due to "family matters that require my full attention."

In Philadelphia, 13 percent of the city's 1.55 million is comprised of Latinos.

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