Rep. Mia Love (R-Utah) endorsed Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for president Thursday on Fox News , citing his October visit to Utah as the reason for her decision.

"When he came to Utah," Love said, "I saw him inspire people. ... He had a rally and he talked about his family. He talked about his love for this country. And I realized that my story is so similar to his."

She said she also appreciated that, in being the first GOP presidential candidate this cycle to visit the state, he "didn't treat Utah like a flyover state."

Love, like Rubio, is the child of immigrant parents . She is also the Republican Party 's first black female member in Congress.

In light of the recent terror attacks in Paris, Love said Rubio's foreign policy views solidified her support for him.

"He's very strong when it comes to foreign policy, national defense. And this is a time where we need a president in our country that is going to make sure that we are, we are strong," she added.

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