Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has become the latest influential Latin American figure to back Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. In a Spanish-language video, he praised her as "Colombia's best friend in the U.S. Congress" and urged her re-election for Florida's 27th District on November 3.
This endorsement arrives at a politically sensitive time for Salazar. Recently, the Cuban-American congresswoman publicly distanced herself from Donald Trump by criticizing his immigration policies, sparking a clash with the former president and turning a seemingly secure race into a competitive contest.
Support from Latin America
In the video, De la Espriella expressed his unwavering support: "She has always stood by Colombia; that’s why I firmly stand by my friend. Firm for the homeland."
Salazar responded appreciatively on social media platform X, stating, "Colombia is once again looking forward. I am immensely proud to receive the support of my friend, President Abelardo de la Espriella." She added, "Abelardo has a friend in me. Colombia, an ally. And Colombians, a strong voice in the U.S. Congress."
The Colombian leader's endorsement is not the first from Latin America. Days earlier, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado released her own supportive video, describing Salazar as "a steadfast and loyal ally to Venezuela's freedom cause," highlighting, "When others have doubted, you have remained firm. When others have been silent, you have raised your voice."
The Political Dynamics
The convergence of these endorsements forms a Latin American anti-communist front around Salazar. She has been a vocal critic in Congress against the regimes in Cuba and Venezuela, in a district where over 74% of the population is Hispanic, with a significant presence of Colombians and Venezuelans.
The relationship between De la Espriella and Salazar is well-documented. Federal Election Commission records show that the Colombian leader and his wife have contributed nearly $90,000 to Salazar's campaigns over the years.
Moreover, Salazar publicly supported De la Espriella's presidential bid in May and June, prior to his victory over leftist Senator Iván Cepeda in the June 21 runoff.
Salazar vs. Trump
The conflict between Salazar and Trump erupted in September when she posted a video outside the White House proclaiming, "Mr. President, your anti-immigration policy has gone too far," warning that "the same Hispanics who supported you to reach the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today."
Trump responded without withdrawing his formal endorsement but criticized her stance: "I am very firm on borders, and she is not," adding, "María won only because of me."
Following the incident, Salazar revealed she had spoken directly with Trump, describing the exchange as positive, though without confirming any policy changes.
Electoral Implications
The race has become more intense since then. The Cook Political Report shifted the district from "Likely Republican" to "Lean Republican," and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has included the seat in its "Red to Blue" program, allocating additional resources.
Salazar's opponent, Eliott Rodríguez — a former CBS Miami anchor and fellow Cuban-American — countered the Latin American endorsements with a focus on local issues: "As much as my opponent wants to make this election about Latin American politics, it is truly about the people of Florida's 27th District."
Despite the growing competitiveness, Decision Desk HQ estimates a 76% chance for Salazar to retain the seat, and she maintains a significant financial lead with $2 million on hand compared to Rodríguez's $661,000.
Impact of Latin American Endorsements on Salazar's Campaign
How significant are Latin American endorsements for María Elvira Salazar?
Endorsements from influential Latin American leaders like Abelardo de la Espriella and María Corina Machado bolster Salazar's standing among Hispanic voters, particularly in a district with a large Colombian and Venezuelan population.
What was the main cause of the clash between Salazar and Trump?
The clash was primarily due to Salazar's public criticism of Trump's immigration policies, which she argued were too extreme, particularly for the Hispanic community that initially supported him.
How has the electoral landscape changed for Salazar?
The race has become more competitive, with the Cook Political Report adjusting the district's rating and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee increasing support for her opponent.