Eliott Rodriguez, a Democrat and former WFOR-TV/CBS4 news anchor, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida's 27th Congressional District. He faces Republican María Elvira Salazar in the general election.

Rodriguez won the Democratic primary on Aug. 18, defeating former prosecutor Robin Peguero, according to CBS News Miami. He announced his candidacy in March 2026 after leaving CBS News Miami.

Rodriguez has said he is the only Democrat in the 2026 primary who is from the 27th Congressional District, where he also raised his family, according to WLRN.

Candidate information

  • Party: Democratic
  • Race: U.S. House of Representatives, Florida 27th Congressional District
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Opponent: María Elvira Salazar (Republican)
  • Birthplace: New York, to immigrant parents from Cuba
  • Education: Attended Shenandoah Junior High in Miami

Rodriguez was born in New York.

His mother was a seamstress in the city's garment district, and his father owned a grocery store in the Bronx, according to WLRN. The family moved to Miami when he was 12 years old. He grew up near Coral Gables in the 27th Congressional District, CBS News Miami reported.

Experience and public service

Rodriguez worked as an anchor at WFOR-TV/CBS4. He left the station before announcing his congressional bid in March 2026, according to CBS News Miami.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Rodriguez's campaign website and public statements attributed to the candidate.

Healthcare and Social Security: Rodriguez said he will oppose efforts to privatize Medicare and Social Security, cut benefits, raise the retirement age, or shift more healthcare costs onto seniors and working families. He said he will protect Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage.

Immigration: Rodriguez said he opposes the Trump administration's termination of Temporary Protected Status for certain groups. Rodriguez has criticized Rep. Salazar's Dignity Act, saying it does not provide a path to citizenship. He said he advocates for changes to ICE and its budget and has argued the Trump administration is "demonizing immigrants" rather than seeking meaningful legislative solutions, according to WLRN.

Housing and cost of living: Rodriguez said he will focus on lowering the cost of living in South Florida. His proposals include identifying underused federal land for affordable mixed-use housing and expanding incentives for workforce housing and first-time homeownership. He also proposes a preferential interest rate program for public servants and a federal backstop to stabilize Florida's homeowners-insurance market.

Environment: Rodriguez has listed protecting the environment as a campaign priority.

Education: Rodriguez has listed investing in education as a campaign priority.

Endorsements

The following endorsements are listed on Rodriguez's campaign endorsements page and BallotReady profile:

  • Angelo Castillo, mayor of Pembroke Pines
  • Alberto Ibargüen, former president of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and former publisher of The Miami Herald
  • AFL-CIO

Voters in Florida's 27th Congressional District, which includes Coral Gables, can find polling and ballot information through the Miami-Dade County Elections Department.