Republican candidate Marco Rubio scored several key endorsements from Puerto Rican leaders in light of the island's upcoming primary on March 6.

Puerto Rican Officials Endorse Marco Rubio

The Florida senator announced in a press statement sent to Latin Post on Tuesday he is being supported by four GOP leaders in Puerto Rico, including former Gov. Luis Fortuño, who described Rubio as someone who "has the judgment, vision and strong values to be a great president."

"Washington today is plagued by the same problems we see in San Juan: politicians who tax too much, spend too much and lack the courage to solve the great challenges of our time. Marco Rubio would change that," said the RNC national committeeman.

"As American citizens, Puerto Ricans deserve better than the failed leadership they've gotten during the last eight years, which would continue if the Democrats retained the White House. Marco Rubio is the only candidate in this race who can unite us, win the White House and lead us into a New American Century," he added.

Jenniffer Gonzalez, the minority leader of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives and RNC chairperson, said Latinos with conservative values "seek a leader like Marco who will energize constituencies that in the past have been left behind."

She added that Rubio's message resonates with young people, women and disenfranchised communities, "including the people of Puerto Rico who seek the tools to improve our island economy, create jobs, and achieve full equality as Americans."

Likewise, Zoraida Fonalledas, an RNC national committeewoman, said she is supporting the Cuban-American lawmaker because he can relate to those struggling to achieve the American Dream and he has a history of fighting for Puerto Rico.

"Puerto Rico may not have a vote in the Senate, but Marco Rubio has been looking out for us throughout his time there and standing up against the unequal treatment Puerto Ricans face when it comes to many federal policies," she added.

Lastly, Republican fundraiser Jose Carrion said he was proud to endorse Rubio. He called the candidate "a man who will never forget that he leads a nation that also includes Puerto Rico's 3.5 million American citizens."

According to Carlos Mercader, the executive director of Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles, these endorsements will give Rubio's campaign an added boost on the island.

"All of them are important political leaders in Puerto Rico," he told Latin Post, adding that "their support helps Rubio's campaign to gain more traction" and they can "move voters" to the polls.

He went on to say that the four leaders were initially backing Jeb Bush's campaign before he dropped out the race on Saturday. Now, with Bush out of the picture, Rubio has a good chance of winning all 23 delegates in Puerto Rico during the primary, he said. In turn, this could also help Rubio win his home state.

"Whomever wins the island, it sends a strong message to the Puerto Rican community in Florida," said Mercader. Because Puerto Ricans in Florida has close ties to the island, they may also be swayed to vote for the Latin legislator as well.

Mercader added that the "growing" Puerto Rican population is "powerful" in swing states like Florida where Latino voters will help determine who wins the White House.

Puerto Rico's Debt Crisis

The endorsements come at a time when Puerto Rico is suffering from a massive $72 billion debt. To help alleviate the debt, government officials have been promoting local tax incentives to lure wealthy investors to invest in the U.S. territory.

Other Endorsements

Last week, Rubio was endorsed by three Latino Republican congressional lawmakers who had previously supported Jeb Bush's run for the White House. However, once Bush suspended his campaign, Rubio announced support from Florida Reps. Carlos Curbelo, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Mario Diaz-Balart.

This article has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Carlos Mercader's name.