Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed optimism this Tuesday, November 3, in the final stretch of the United States legislative elections, as she vies for her continuation in the against Democrat Eliott Rodríguez.
"I would love for you to vote for me," expressed the Republican lawmaker to several journalists near the Key Biscayne Community Center in Miami-Dade, where she defended her candidacy to continue representing Florida's 27th Congressional District.
In a video shared on X by journalist Christian Colón, Salazar appeared surrounded by cameras and microphones, wearing a t-shirt from her electoral campaign.
"It is a glorious day. We must be very happy to have the right to come and vote according to our conscience," he declared.
"I feel very fortunate that we have the U.S. electoral system. That's why I tell everyone to go out and vote and to vote according to their conscience," she stated.
The Republican stated that she is the best option to represent a district she described as diverse, challenging, and unique.
"I would love for you to vote for me, but you are free to do what you think is necessary," he added.
María Elvira Salazar faces Eliott Rodríguez in a closely contested election
The statements come in the final hours of an electoral contest that is particularly important for the Cuban-American community in Miami.
Salazar, who is seeking his fourth consecutive term in the House of Representatives, is up against Democratic journalist Eliott Rodríguez, also of Cuban descent and known for his career as a television presenter in South Florida.
Although the Republican received over 60% of the votes in the 2024 elections, the polls leading up to the current day indicated a tighter competition.
A poll by RedBox Research, conducted between October 20 and 23 among 523 likely voters, placed Salazar at 49% intent to vote, compared to 46% for Rodríguez, a three-point lead that does not establish a statistically conclusive difference.
The survey was funded by the super PAC A Fight Worth Having and conducted by its research unit RedBox Research.
The campaign has been marked by differences over deportations, the cost of living, and President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
In September, Salazar publicly questioned Trump's immigration policies, warning that some measures had gone too far and that many Hispanic voters felt betrayed.
However, Trump announced on October 30 his support for the congresswoman's re-election, despite the public differences between them regarding immigration.
Rodríguez has questioned Salazar's legislative votes related to the funding of immigration agencies and has advocated for a reform of the U.S. immigration system.
Salazar had already voted early
Salazar voted early on Saturday, October 31, in Coral Gables, where she also shared images of voter participation and encouraged Miami-Dade residents to head to the polls.
On that occasion, he stated that he had never seen such participation in a midterm election and emphasized the importance of preserving democratic rights.
The election between Salazar and Rodríguez is one of the congressional contests drawing attention in South Florida.
The polling places in Miami-Dade close at 7:00 p.m. local time, although voters who are in line at that time will still be able to cast their votes. The first unofficial results will begin to be released after the polls close.
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