Hurricane Michael has impact on elections

HEATHROW, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - With less than three weeks before election day, candidates would usually be campaigning around the clock, but after Hurricane Michael, many are focusing on recovery efforts.

Now, voters are hearing from surrogates who are speaking on behalf of their respective candidates, until they can get back on the trail.

Florida First Lady Ann Scott spoke with FOX 35 about stepping in for her husband, Governor Rick Scott, who is seeking to replace Democratic incumbent Bill Neslon.

Scott said, "I'm here to hit the campaign trail and share his message with Florida families on why he should be Florida's next senator."

Republican candidate for governor, Congressman Ron DeSantis has also turned to his wife to help rally support.  Casey DeSantis told FOX 35,  "We transformed a lot of our campaign events and fundraisers into drives to get supplies out there."

DeSantis' opponent, Democrat and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, has also stepped away from the campaign trail. His running mate, Winter Park businessman Chris King, says Gillum continues to focus on the crisis at hand, while he focuses on the campaign. 

"In the meantime, we're 20 days out from a historic election, and he's got me out on the trail fighting as hard as we can fight," King said.

Just how much of an impact Michael will have on these big races remains to be seen.