Judge denies motion to remove Miami-Dade elections supervisor from FL-27 recount

A federal judge denied a motion filed by Eliott Rodriguez, the Democratic candidate for Florida's 27th Congressional District, seeking to remove Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia from the ongoing recount process. CBS News Miami and WSVN 7News reported on the decision, which came just before the machine recount began in Doral.

The recount was triggered because the Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, leads Rodriguez by only 1,090 votes, less than half a percentage point, according to WSVN 7News. Florida law mandates an automatic recount when the margin is this narrow.

Rodriguez's campaign alleged bias by Garcia, citing statements she made on election night that Salazar was the winner regardless of a recount. Additionally, the campaign raised concerns that Garcia's son-in-law is serving as Salazar's lawyer during the recount. These claims were part of a lawsuit filed against Garcia.

U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz, while acknowledging the concerns about Garcia's comments, ultimately ruled against removing her from the canvassing board. The judge's decision allowed the recount to proceed with Garcia overseeing the process.

Officials were seen inside the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections office in Doral as the recount began, according to 7News footage. The recount will continue as election officials verify the vote totals for the closely contested congressional race.