Influence from her father, a bowl of ice cream for her son make this endorsement "special," she says.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Former Vice President Joseph Biden on Saturday endorsed Gov. Gina M. Raimondo for reelection, according to Raimondo's campaign.

“Governor Raimondo is bringing the change hardworking Rhode Islanders need and deserve after too many years of economic struggle,” Biden said, according to a news release from the Raimondo campaign. “She has been a champion for working families, expanding the earned income tax credit and raising the minimum wage. Gina has rolled up her sleeves to put people back to work, and by making Rhode Island one of the first states in the country to offer tuition-free community college, she is ensuring that Rhode Islanders will continue to have the tools they need to compete in the 21st century. She’s never going to give up on Rhode Island. I am proud to endorse her today and ask you to vote for her on Wednesday, September 12th.”

In an interview with The Journal, Raimondo said, "This is a special one."

She cited two anecdotes from her family that — beyond politics — have endeared President Barack Obama's vice president to her.

First, she said her late father, who wasn't a "political guy," had always admired Biden.

Second, while attending a governor's dinner once at the White House, Raimondo had brought her son, Tommy, as her date. When the vice president saw that Tommy hadn't touched his dessert and the boy explained that he was allergic to nuts, Biden went into the kitchen and returned with a bowl of vanilla ice cream, and then chatted with Tommy.

“Vice President Biden has dedicated his career to helping hardworking Americans keep up and get ahead, and I’m honored to receive his endorsement,” Raimondo said in the news release.