Florida U.S. House Seat Recount Challenge (CD-27)

A pro-voting lawsuit seeking to block the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections from being involved in a recount of a closely contested U.S. House seat.

Background

Eliott Rodriguez, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House in Florida’s District 27, filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking to block Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia from participating in “ballot determinations and recount decisions” in the closely contested election between Rodriguez and Republican Rep. María Elvira Salazar. Rodriguez asserts Garcia is a “known political ally and friend of Congresswoman Salazar,” and told the Miami Herald on Nov. 3 that “María Elvira is the winner, with or without a recount.” The lawsuit asserts that allowing Garcia to participate in the recount violates Rodriguez’s 14th Amendment due process rights and asks the court to block Garcia from participating in the recount. 

Why It Matters

The Miami-Dade County Canvassing Board is responsible for overseeing recounts. Recounts are triggered under state law when the margin is under 0.5%. Currently, Salazar leads with just 1,090 votes or by 0.44%. Garcia preemptively declared Salazar the winner on election day and her son-in-law would represent Salazar in any recount. Rodriguez asserts Garcia’s political leanings and refusal to recuse herself further illustrate her risk of bias.

Latest Updates

• Nov. 9, 2026: Plaintiff filed his reply. The court held a hearing on plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction and denied the motion to order the Supervisor’s recusal. 
• Nov. 8, 2026: Rep. Salazar and Garcia filed their opposition to plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction. 
• Nov. 6, 2026: Plaintiff filed his complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction.