Maria Elvira Salazar, the Republican incumbent, was declared the winner of Florida’s 27th congressional district after a machine recount confirmed a razor‑thin margin of 1,086 votes, according to NBC Miami. The result matters to Miami residents because the seat controls a voice on federal issues ranging from immigration to economic policy that directly affect the region.

Election officials at the Miami‑Dade Elections headquarters worked through the night to recount close to 250,000 ballots, a process triggered by the race’s narrow gap. The recount concluded Tuesday, confirming the unofficial totals that had already shown Salazar ahead.

Officially, Salazar received 124,519 votes, or 50.2% of the total, while Democrat Eliott Rodriguez garnered 123,433 votes, or 49.8%, per the same NBC Miami report. The 1,086‑vote difference underscores how every ballot counted in the district.

Following the certification, Salazar issued a statement thanking voters, saying, “Thank you, Miami!” She also noted that immigration was a decisive issue, adding that the campaign’s focus on affordability, the economy, lower gas prices, and immigration resonated with constituents. Rodriguez conceded, emphasizing that the close race required a full recount and that his team would monitor any additional overseas or military ballots that might arrive before the election is formally certified.

Salazar, a former television journalist with a career at NBC Universal’s Telemundo and other Spanish‑language stations, first won a House seat in 2002. She now serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the House Committee on Small Business. Her current term runs until January 3, 2027.

What’s next: Election officials will continue to review any outstanding overseas or military ballots before the final certification of the race. Both campaigns have indicated they will accept the certified outcome, and the district will be represented by Salazar in the upcoming congressional session.

Sources: nbcmiami.com