Recount set for 10 a.m. Monday in Florida's 27th District amid legal dispute
Miami-Dade Supervisor Alina Garcia will oversee the vote retabulation despite a lawsuit alleging conflicts of interest.
By Sakura Ellis ·
Florida's 27th Congressional District race is headed to a recount as a legal dispute questions the neutrality of local election officials. The contest pits Democrat Eliott Rodriguez against incumbent Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar. A press release from the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections office confirmed the schedule on Sunday afternoon.
The recount is set for 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, at the headquarters on Northwest 87th Avenue in Doral. Alina Garcia, the supervisor, will serve as one of three canvassing board members. The district covers parts of Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Key Biscayne, and Pinecrest.
Salazar has held the seat since 2021 after defeating Donna Shalala in 2020. Rodriguez entered the race in March 2026 following a career in television news. He spent 25 years at CBS News Miami before leaving the station to run for Congress.
The Rodriguez campaign filed a lawsuit arguing that Garcia should remove herself from the process. The legal team cited comments Garcia made on election night, which were reported by the Miami Herald. She stated, 'María Elvira is the winner, with or without a recount.' The campaign argues an official cannot prejudge the outcome before ballots are retabulated.
The suit also points to a family connection. Robert Fernandez, who represents Salazar during the recount, is reportedly Garcia's son-in-law. Fernandez and his wife, Garcia's daughter, were present as officials reviewed ballots. Fernandez stated that his role does not create a conflict and that the process remains open to observers. He said, 'There is no conflict of interest here.'
Garcia responded to the recusal demand during a phone call with CBS News Miami. She said, 'I will not recuse myself. There is no conflict.' When asked about her son-in-law's involvement, she noted he practices election law. She also addressed a photograph taken with Salazar during a May 2025 visit to Washington, D.C., stating she takes pictures with whoever asks.
The lawsuit claims Garcia's participation presents an objective risk of bias. Garcia rejected the idea that the photograph indicated campaigning for Salazar. In a statement shared Sunday, Rodriguez said he welcomes the recount. He added that he will respect the will of the voters once final results are certified.
