Ohio Gov. John Kasich embraced a supporter Thursday who thanked the GOP presidential candidate for boosting his spirits amid hardship.

“Over a year ago, a man who was like my second father killed himself, and then a few months later my parents got a divorce and then my dad lost his job,” the young man told Kasich in Clemson, S.C. "I was in a pretty dark place for a long time.

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“I was pretty depressed but I found hope in the Lord, my friends and now I’ve found it in my presidential candidate that I support. I’d really appreciate one of the hugs you’ve been talking about.”

Kasich solemnly beckoned the man onstage before gripping him tightly in a close embrace.

“The Lord will give you strength,” he told the supporter during a town hall at Clemson University’s Strom Thurmond Institute.