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NewsWUSF (NPR Tampa Bay) — PoliticsAugust 19, 2026Hillsborough

Eliott Rodriguez wins Democratic primary for Florida's 27th Congressional District

Former television anchor Eliott Rodriguez secured the Democratic nomination for Florida's 27th Congressional District, setting up a general election race against incumbent Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. Rodriguez defeated opponent Robin Peguero in the primary, while Salazar defeated V. Michael Arias to secure the Republican nomination.

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Why It Matters

Residents of Florida's 27th District will choose between Rodriguez and Salazar in the November election to determine who represents them in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Key Facts

  • Eliott Rodriguez won the Democratic primary with 54% of the vote against Robin Peguero's 46%.
  • María Elvira Salazar won the Republican primary with 81% of the vote against V. Michael Arias's 19%.
  • The general election for the 27th District seat is scheduled for November.
  • Rodriguez retired from his position as a CBS4 news anchor in December.
  • Rodriguez announced his candidacy in March.
  • Rodriguez is campaigning on the issue of local affordability and the cost of living.
  • Salazar is a three-term incumbent who first won the seat in 2020.
  • Salazar co-sponsored the Dignity Act, which proposes a pathway to legal status for undocumented migrants.

Who's Mentioned

personDonald Trump“Former President whose immigration policies are a campaign topic”personMaría Elvira Salazar“Incumbent Republican Congresswoman for Florida's 27th District”personV. Michael Arias“Republican primary opponent to Salazar”locationFlorida's 27th District“Congressional district in South Florida”personEliott Rodriguez“Democratic nominee for Florida's 27th Congressional District”personRobin Peguero“Former Democratic primary opponent to Rodriguez”