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The recently retired Cuban-American journalist Eliott Rodriguez announced that he is considering running as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida's 27th district, currently represented by the Republican María Elvira Salazar.
In an interview with Telemundo 51 regarding his political aspirations, the communicator made it clear that his decision will depend on the numbers and his conviction that he can win the contest.
After retiring last December, after 25 years reporting on camera for CBS Miami, Rodríguez explained that the possibility of entering politics arose from a conversation with the Cuban-American billionaire Michael B. Fernández (Mike Fernández).
He recounted that Fernández asked him if he would join a campaign to defend immigrants' rights. He replied yes, and then proposed that he run as a candidate. "At first, I absolutely said no, but then I said: 'Okay, let me think about it.'"
A key district and a possible Democratic primary
In District 27, there are already two Democratic candidates who have announced their intention to run against Salazar. They have been campaigning for months and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, Rodríguez questioned their real chances of winning.
"I heard them speak. They are impressive, they are young, but I wonder: can they win? I don't think they can win, and the Democrats will be wasting their time again and lose," he expressed.
If he decides to formalize his candidacy, he would first have to face those contenders in a Democratic primary. If he secures the nomination, a high-profile contest is anticipated in November.
He, however, has no fears or doubts. "(Salazar) has won three elections because he hasn't had a strong opponent, someone who can actually win this battle."
Immigration as a central focus
Rodríguez insisted that his main motivation is neither public notoriety nor personal ambition, and that he wants to do it while being confident of his victory.
The situation of immigrants has been a catalyst in his decision. "I can stay silent and continue to feel bad and horrified by the treatment of immigrants, or I can do something; I can change this district," he stated.
The retired journalist directly questioned the current congresswoman—who is also a former journalist—by stating that "she doesn't raise her voice, she doesn't show her face to speak about the rights of immigrants."
"She says that she defends immigrants, but I wonder what she has done to stop these atrocities," he emphasized.
Rodriguez promised that if he reaches Congress, he will act with consistency. "First of all, I am going to be a congressman—if I do, I will be honest, and I will not say one thing and do another."
Political support and reading the landscape
The possible candidacy comes at a time when Salazar has received the support of President Donald Trump, something that Eliott Rodríguez finds "interesting."
She also questioned María Elvira's stance on the immigration policies of the current administration. "She claims to have a disagreement with President Trump regarding what he is doing to immigrants, but she hasn't done anything."
Rodriguez stated that he is "testing the waters" and awaiting results from internal polls that, according to him, suggest he could defeat Salazar.
The countdown to the November elections has already begun, and their eventual entry into the race would transform the political landscape of District 27 into one of the most closely watched contests in South Florida.
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