Incumbent Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar advanced Tuesday against challenger Michael Arias in Florida's 27th Congressional District, a race where immigration and economic issues were prominent.
Salazar, a Cuban American who has held the seat since 2020, secured her party's nomination against Arias, a Miami attorney. Arias had campaigned on fiscal responsibility, reducing the federal deficit and inflation, and lowering the cost of living, particularly housing and property insurance costs in South Florida. He also focused on increasing funding for public safety.
Salazar, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee, has aligned with many aspects of the Trump administration's agenda concerning Latin America, including efforts to reduce Venezuelan oil revenue. However, her approach to immigration distinguishes her from some more hardline Republican factions.
While supporting robust border enforcement, Salazar has also advocated for a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants residing in the U.S. This stance represents a more moderate position compared to the Trump administration's emphasis on widespread deportations. Arias also supported deportations, but stated they should be conducted in a more humane manner and focus primarily on violent criminals.
The 27th district, which includes Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, has a significant foreign-born population, making immigration a key issue for constituents. According to 2024 U.S. Census data, approximately 54% of the district's population, or about 428,000 residents, were born outside the U.S., more than double the statewide average.
Despite her differing views on deportation policy, Salazar remains a supporter of former President Donald Trump. The district has a notable history of supporting Republican candidates, with Salazar flipping the seat from Democrat Donna Shalala in 2020.