WASHINGTON — In under a month, Rick Scott will become the Sunshine State's newest Junior Senator on Capitol Hill, joining Florida's Congressional delegation with another former Florida Governor, Charlie Crist (D) 13th District.

• Charlie Crist says he's familiar with the transition from governor to legislator
• Crist says he hopes to find common ground with Senator-elect Rick Scott
• RELATED LINK: Spectrum News Washington D.C. Bureau

“It’s a small club, there’s no question about it," Rep. Crist said in an interview with Spectrum News in his Capitol Hill office.

Serving as a legislator on Capitol Hill is quite a transition from the role of state chief executive, and Crist is familiar with the switch.

“Having served as governor of Florida was an amazing job, an amazing honor," he said.

Crist's political past is plastered across the walls of his office inside the Cannon House office building. Photos and mementos from his time as Governor line the walls. With a year-round tan and a full head of white hair, few politicians inside the Beltway are as easily recognized, with members pausing to greet him as he walks the halls.

"There is no security detail, let me be clear as a member of Congress, that's fine," Crist said with a laugh. "It’s kind of nice to go for a walk in the park and be alone.”

After two bruising defeats in statewide campaigns for governor and U.S. Senate, Crist is settling in as one of 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“It’s hard work. You have to put a lot of time in, I’ve done that my whole life, so that’s nothing new," he said. "In this atmosphere and Congress, you never get lonely.”

He said his experience as governor translates well to his work as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I think it gives me a greater understanding of what the other members of the Florida delegation deal with. If there’s some place in Florida, I’ve probably been there. I’m familiar with their districts, probably with some of the concerns they might have, whether it’s the Panhandle, or Jacksonville or the Florida Keys,” Crist said.

He added, “Having that kind of empathy and understanding for their geography, their hopes and dreams for what’s important to their people at home. I think that gives you an edge.”

With a divided Congress next year, Scott, a Republican, and Crist, a Democrat, will be working in opposite chambers. Crist hopes to find common ground with Scott to benefit Floridians, a rarity in this polarized political climate.

“I think it’ll be fine. We have a great delegation in Florida. It’s nonpartisan. We work hard to work together for what best for Florida," he said.

 So, what exactly can the Senator-elect expect when he arrives on Capitol Hill come January?

"Just enjoy the camaraderie of being a teammate again and working with others. Not having the sometimes isolating effect that being the chief executive can be," Crist explained.  "I think he’ll find it to be a lot of fun.”

Senator-elect Scott will finish his term as governor, which will delay his swearing-in ceremony for the U.S. Senate to January 8. Other new members will be sworn in on January 3, 2019.