NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)August 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 Representative María Elvira Salazar. Rodriguez defeated opponent Robin Peguero in the primary, while Salazar defeated V. Michael Arias to secure the Republican nomination.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Politics)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.
- Robin Peguero received 46% of the vote in the Democratic primary.
- María Elvira Salazar won the Republican primary with 81% of the vote.
- V. Michael Arias received 19% of the vote in the Republican primary.
- 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.
- Salazar has served three terms in Congress since 2020.
- Rodriguez is campaigning on the issue of local affordability.
- Salazar is a co-sponsor of the Dignity Act, which proposes a pathway to legal status for undocumented migrants.
Who's Mentioned
personDonald Trump“Former President of the United States”personMaría Elvira Salazar“Incumbent Republican Congresswoman for Florida's 27th District”personV. Michael Arias“Former Republican primary candidate”locationFlorida's 27th District“Congressional district in South Florida”personEliott Rodriguez“Democratic nominee for Florida's 27th Congressional District”personRobin Peguero“Former Democratic primary candidate”