TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Republican Gov. Charlie Crist made a stunning announcement early Tuedsay afternoon.

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“Effective immediately, I have signed an executive order extending early voting hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.," Crist said.

For a week the governor has been hounded by people, mostly Democrats, to extend the hours. Until today, it looked like he wouldn't budge.

Lines like one outside Miramar City Hall Tuesday morning, or one in Miami Lakes where people waited three hours to vote, have been common since early voting began last week.

“I think he should have done it earlier. I mean it would have saved a lot of people from long lines. I think it will alleviate this issue, not only the extension of the hours but more machines and more locations," voter Steve Pamies told Local 10's Todd Tongen.

Democratic candidate for congress Joe Garcia surveyed the long line Tuesday afternoon and was surprised to learn of the governor's decision.

“This is probably the most important election of our generation. I am thrilled the governor went ahead and did what so many people have been asking him to do. The more people who participate, the better the democratic process,” Garcia said.

Democratic congressional campaign committee chairman Chris Van Hollen applauded the governor's decision but thinks it was politically motivated.

“I think he recognized that he was standing in the way of the democratic process and it appeared clearly that he was on the side of the status quo against the thousands of people coming out demanding change,” Van Hollen said.

In Tallahassee, Crist wanted to make it clear he wasn’t playing partisan politics and that he had the people of Florida’s best interests in mind.

“This is not a political decision. This is a people decision," Crist said. "I am elected as the governor of Florida. I took an oath back in January and that is my duty.”

The executive order extends early voting hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and a total of 12 hours this weekend.