With more than 235,000 early votes already cast in Miami-Dade by Saturday morning, the race for Florida's 27th District intensifies as we approach the legislative elections on November 3rd, according to reports from WLRN.
On Friday, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar organized a voter mobilization rally at the Westchester Regional Library in Miami-Dade. She was joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (Republican from Louisiana) and Cuban-American congressmen Carlos Giménez and Mario Díaz-Balart.
From the stage, these four legislators condemned socialism, cautioning that a Democratic win in Washington could lead the United States down the same path as Cuba and Venezuela under their respective regimes.
Salazar touted the "One Big Beautiful Bill" passed in the summer of 2025 as a fiscal achievement that prevented tax hikes for citizens: "We are not just trying to do the right politics; we are delivering results for the economy. If that bill hadn't passed, we would all be paying more taxes. We don't remember it because now we pay little," she told the crowd.
However, the legislation also included significant cuts to Medicaid and the SNAP food assistance program, alongside $75 billion allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over four years: $45 billion for new detention facilities and $30 billion for hiring 10,000 agents and modernizing facilities.
This point is what fuels her critics.
The UNITE HERE Local 355 union organized a "vote early fiesta" on Saturday, using buses to transport registered voters to polling stations in the county, targeting Salazar for her legislative support.
Union leaders claimed they knocked on 30,000 doors in District 27, pointing out that working-class Latino voters express "anger and frustration over rising rent, gas prices, healthcare, and ongoing attacks on immigrant communities."
A state survey of Hispanics released this Saturday reinforces this diagnosis: 62% of the families surveyed report being worse off economically than a year ago, with inflation and the cost of living as their primary concerns.
The tension between the Republican anti-communist rhetoric—historically effective among first-generation Cuban exiles—and the impact of ICE raids on Cubans with irregular immigration status defines the most sensitive axis of this campaign.
District 27 encompasses Miami, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay; approximately three out of four residents are Latino.
Salazar, who has represented this seat since 2021, is up against Cuban-American journalist Eliott Rodríguez, 69, a former CBS Miami anchor for 25 years. This race is closely watched by national analysts for its potential impact on controlling the House of Representatives.
Available polls indicate a tightly contested race: a survey by Bendixen & Amandi recorded a 45%-45% tie, while Tulchin Research gave Salazar a narrow one-point lead (47%-46%).
In-person early voting in Miami-Dade began on October 19th and runs through November 1st, with 28 centers open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The county houses over 1.3 million registered voters, distributed closely: 35% Republicans, 32% Democrats, and nearly 30% with no party affiliation, making each early vote a decisive factor for both sides.
The Cook Political Report classifies District 27 as "Lean Republican," though electoral models warn that the final outcome could hinge on Latino turnout in the remaining days before November 3rd.
Key Questions About Florida's 27th District Election
What is the significance of the "One Big Beautiful Bill"?
The "One Big Beautiful Bill," passed in the summer of 2025, is significant because it was hailed as a fiscal achievement that prevented tax increases for citizens. However, it also included cuts to Medicaid and SNAP and allocated $75 billion to ICE, which has been a point of contention.
Why is District 27 considered crucial for the elections?
District 27 is crucial because its outcome could influence the control of the House of Representatives. The district has a close voter distribution and a significant Latino population, making it a battleground for both parties.
How does early voting impact the election in Miami-Dade?
Early voting is critical in Miami-Dade as it allows a large number of voters to cast their ballots before election day. With a substantial number of registered voters and close party distribution, early votes can significantly impact the election results.