The Argentine president Javier Milei recorded a video directed at voters in Miami to support the re-election of Republican congresswoman María Elvira Salazar to the United States Congress. The recording was released on the same day that early voting began in Miami-Dade.
The message, shared by Salazar herself on her X account this Monday, shows Milei describing the legislator as “one of the strongest and most respected voices on the continent” who defends “freedom, democracy, free markets, and each person's right to thrive through their own efforts.”
"We need leaders in Washington who understand Latin America, confront the socialist left, and fearlessly expose the horrors and deaths that socialism has left in its wake," asserted the Argentine president in the 40-second clip, which ended with his signature phrase: "Long live freedom, damn it!"
Salazar expressed his gratitude for the gesture and framed it as an ideological alliance: "Freedom unites us. I am honored to receive the support of President Javier Milei for my reelection to the United States Congress."
The congresswoman is seeking a fourth consecutive term in Florida's 27th District, which includes areas of Miami and localities such as Coral Gables, Key Biscayne, and Cutler Bay.
His rival is the Democrat Eliott Rodríguez, a former reporter for CBS Miami and the son of Cuban parents. This race is considered one of the most competitive in the midterm election cycle: an internal poll cited by EFE showed both candidates tied at 45% each, although the firm Decision Desk HQ calculated a 76% probability that Salazar will retain the seat.
In fundraising, the Republican holds an advantage with approximately 2.4 million dollars compared to 1.3 million of their opponent, according to data as of September 30th.
Milei's support comes at a time of some internal tension for Salazar within the Republican Party.
In September, legislator published a bilingual announcement in front of the White House criticizing Trump's immigration policies for having "gone too far," which created tensions with the administration. Although the president initially claimed that he continued to support the congresswoman, days later he shared numerous critical posts about her on Truth Social.
The endorsement from the Argentine leader adds to a chain of Latin American support from a liberal-conservative profile: the Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado backed her on October 16, and Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella did so two days prior. Trump, for his part, had formally pledged his full support for Salazar's reelection in February of this year.
Milei's support became known days after his visit to Washington, where he pointed to Cuba, Venezuela, and Argentina as examples of socialism's failure and called on Latin American leaders to form "a true shield against socialism" alongside Trump.
The general elections in District 27 of Florida are scheduled for November 3, 2026.
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