GOP’s Maria Elvira Salazar Wins Florida Race After Recount Confirms Lead

Recount leaves Salazar ahead

New totals announced Tuesday evening showed Salazar maintaining a 1,086-vote margin over Rodriguez. The machine recount was automatically required under Florida law. Salazar said in a post that the recount had ended and her victory had been reaffirmed. CBS News Miami counted the recount as lasting about 18 hours.

Judge rejects removal request

Rodriguez sought to remove Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia from the canvassing board, arguing that she appeared to favor Salazar. A judge dismissed the motion and permitted the recount to begin Monday morning.

The judge said an elected official should not lose her position based on the most explosive part of an incomplete statement. The judge also considered a photo Garcia posted with Salazar to be old and essentially irrelevant.

Attorney comments on ruling

Garcia had made a statement to the Miami Herald on Election Night that the judge described as “stupid.” Rodriguez’s attorney, Juan-Carlos Planas, said the judge viewed the press statement as egregious. Planas said the challenge was a stretch and described it as an effort to draw a line for those responsible for preserving democracy.

Salazar’s record in district

Salazar, a former television journalist, has represented the Miami-Dade County-based district in Congress for three terms. She first won the seat in 2020, defeating Democratic U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala.

The district was widely viewed as GOP-leaning. Salazar won reelection by 20 points two years ago, while Democrats hoped to make this race competitive. Florida is set to certify the results Nov. 17.