María Elvira Salazar secured her congressional reelection by a narrow margin of 1,086 votes after a heavily contested recount in Florida’s 27th congressional district, according to Univision.
The race drew intense scrutiny following legal challenges and a recount process overseen by Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina García. Candidates and their campaigns closely monitored the handling of ballots as election officials worked through the final totals.
“We had the cameras there, the journalists were there all the time,” García told Univision, addressing questions regarding the transparency of the recount. She dismissed allegations of bias as political theater.
Controversy also arose over comments García made to a reporter during the tally. She described the exchange as an informal conversation with a novice journalist where she said that the candidate already leading typically maintains that position.
An initial legal challenge filed by candidate Elliot Rodríguez aimed at halting the process was promptly dismissed by a federal judge. García said that the court rejected the lawsuit without disrupting the schedule.
Election officials are now turning their attention to upcoming runoff contests across Miami-Dade municipalities. A runoff is scheduled in Pinecrest, followed by additional races on December 1, 2026, in other local jurisdictions, and a final runoff on December 8, 2026.
Following the finalization of the vote count, both candidates addressed the outcome publicly. Salazar acknowledged her victory and emphasized that the Republican Party must address voter concerns regarding immigration and the rising cost of living.
“I just called María Elvira Salazar,” Rodríguez said, according to Univision, confirming he congratulated his opponent on a hard-fought campaign. “The recount has concluded and I respect the result.”
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