Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar wins Florida's 27th District race after recount

Incumbent Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar has been projected the winner of Florida's 27th Congressional District race after an automatic machine recount, CBS News Miami reported. The recount was triggered under Florida law due to the close margin in the midterm election.

The recount took place in Miami-Dade County, specifically in Doral, and lasted about 18 hours, continuing for a second day as reported by WPLG Local 10. The new totals showed Salazar maintaining a lead of approximately 1,086 votes over Democrat Eliott Rodriguez, with little change from the initial count.

Salazar, who has represented the Miami-area district since 2021, declared victory on social media after the recount ended, expressing gratitude to voters across party lines. The state is scheduled to certify the election results on November 17.

During the recount process, Rodriguez attempted to remove Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia from the canvassing board, citing perceived bias toward Salazar. However, a judge dismissed the motion, allowing the recount to proceed. The judge described Garcia's controversial statement to the press as "stupid" but did not find sufficient cause for removal.

The recount and related legal proceedings have drawn local attention as the race was closely watched in the Miami area, reflecting the district's competitive political landscape.