Washington (CNN) Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard joined thousands of protesters in Puerto Rico Saturday in demanding that Gov. Ricardo Rosselló step down, taking action on a chorus of calls from 2020 presidential contenders for the embattled governor's resignation.

"I stand in solidarity with the people of Puerto Rico who have been suffering and struggling under this very corrupt government for far too long," Gabbard told CNN's Nick Paton Walsh in an interview from San Juan. "They are saying enough is enough. I join them in calling for this governor's resignation. They can then begin to find a leader who will truly listen to their concerns and work for their interests."

In Old San Juan tonight to stand with the people of #PuertoRico against corruption. They deserve a government that serves them. #RickyRenuncia #RickyRenunciaYa pic.twitter.com/7F5Xrh8vUU — Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) July 20, 2019

Mass protests erupted after Puerto Rico's Center for Investigative Journalism published leaked chats between Rosselló and his inner circle, including profanity-laced, homophobic and misogynistic messages about fellow politicians, members of the media and celebrities. Rosselló has rejected calls to resign. Gabbard flew to the island on Friday, and on Saturday told CNN, "I'm doing what I can to lift this up to the national conversation."

Asked if she's concerned the island could see increased instability should Rosselló resign without a clear successor, the 2020 presidential hopeful told CNN, "The most important thing is a corrupt governor steps down."

"You can say this is messy, but this is democracy in action," she said.