On Friday, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries made an appearance in Pinecrest, Miami-Dade County, to express his support for Democratic hopeful Eliott Rodríguez. Rodríguez is aiming to unseat Republican María Elvira Salazar in Florida's 27th Congressional District, just days before early voting begins in the area.
The event, hosted at a Pinecrest café, marked a significant indication that the Democratic Party sees this seat as a viable opportunity to gain ground in Florida and reclaim the House majority. Rodríguez told reporters, "With Leader Jeffries' support and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's backing, we're going to turn it blue once again."
Jeffries described the CD-27 as "an incredibly winnable seat" and committed to being "a strong advocate to ensure Eliott Rodríguez has the resources" necessary to reach voters effectively. Recently, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) added Rodríguez to its Red to Blue program, which provides funding, staff, and strategic assistance to candidates with a strong chance of flipping Republican seats. CD-27 is among the six Florida districts the DCCC is targeting.
Immigration Policy and Community Impact
A significant portion of Jeffries' message addressed Trump's immigration policies in a district where approximately 74% of the population is Hispanic. "We were told that immigration enforcement would target the worst of the worst," he stated, criticizing the president's deportation efforts as out of control and demanding enforcement that is "fair, equitable, and humane."
Rodríguez, aged 69, is a Cuban immigrant's son and has lived in the district since 1968. He spent 25 years as a news anchor at CBS Miami before retiring in late 2025 and announcing his candidacy in March 2026. His campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living, preserving Social Security and Medicare, and advocating for comprehensive immigration reform.
Local Endorsements and Political Dynamics
Jeffries' visit follows a week of significant local endorsements, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, who praised Rodríguez for his understanding of South Florida and his ability to work across political divides.
Salazar, also of Cuban descent and a former TV journalist, is seeking her fourth consecutive term. Her previous victories have been by increasing margins: nearly three points in 2020, about 15 in 2022, and roughly 21 in 2024.
The race has intensified since September when Salazar openly criticized Trump's deportation policies outside the White House, sparking a public clash with the president and turning what seemed like a secure race into a competitive one. The Cook Political Report reclassified the district from "Solid Republican" to "Lean Republican," a change echoed by Fox News and Sabato's Crystal Ball in September.
Strategies and Election Forecasts
To counteract these shifts, Salazar has built a network of Latin American endorsements. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella called her "Colombia's greatest friend in Congress," and Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado described her as "a steadfast and loyal ally to Venezuela's freedom cause."
Rodríguez dismissed this focus: "As much as my opponent wants to make this election about Latin American politics," he stated, "it's really about the people of Florida's 27th District."
Available polls, all commissioned by Democrats, suggest a very tight race. A Tulchin Research poll conducted from September 8 to 13 gave Salazar a slight lead of 47% to 46%, while a Bendixen & Amandi International survey showed a tie at 45%. Prediction markets echo this shift: Kalshi, which gave Salazar a 78% chance of winning in September, reduced it to around 66% by midweek.
Early voting in Miami-Dade opens on October 19, with the general election set for November 3, 2026.
Understanding the 2026 Congressional Race in Florida's 27th District
Why is the 27th Congressional District race so significant?
The 27th Congressional District race is crucial as it represents a potential gain for Democrats in Florida, a state that could influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
What are the main issues Eliott Rodríguez is focusing on?
Eliott Rodríguez is concentrating on reducing the cost of living, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, and pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.
How has María Elvira Salazar responded to the changing political landscape?
María Elvira Salazar has responded by forming strong alliances with Latin American leaders and securing endorsements to bolster her position in the district.
What impact did Salazar's clash with Trump have on her campaign?
The public disagreement with Trump over deportation policies has made what was once a secure race into a competitive one, according to political analysts.