Full Breakdown
Colombian President Endorses Rep. María Elvira Salazar in Tight Florida Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Salazar Secures Colombian Presidential Endorsement
Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) De la Espriella, a dual Colombian-U.S. citizen who owns property in Salazar’s district, and his wife have contributed nearly $90,000 to her campaign. The endorsement arrives as Salazar’s reelection bid in the heavily Hispanic 27th district has become competitive.
Background: Split with Trump and Shifting Latino Sentiment
Salazar broke with former President Donald Trump over his immigration enforcement, airing an ad that warned Hispanics felt “betrayed” by the administration’s policies. At the same time, an NBC News poll indicates Latino voters nationwide are growing dissatisfied with Trump’s approach to immigration and with rising costs. The Cook Political Report recently moved the district from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added the race to its “Red to Blue” program.
Official Statements & Responses
Data & Statistics
- Campaign donations from de la Espriella and his wife: ? $90,000.
- Hispanic share of the district’s population: > 74 %.
- NBC News poll: Latino voters nationwide are “souring on Trump” over price pressures and immigration enforcement.
- Cook Political Report: race shifted to “Lean Republican.”
- DCCC: allocating additional resources under its “Red to Blue” initiative.
Criticism & Opposition
President Trump publicly criticized Salazar, saying she is “a nice person” but “not strong on the borders,” and claimed his support was decisive in her original election. His remarks underscore the intra-party tension as Salazar distances herself from Trump’s hard-line stance.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Representing thousands of Colombians in South Florida has made Colombia a cause I carry with me every day to Congress,” — Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar
- “I’m very strong on the borders, and she isn’t. And she’s a nice person. I got her elected. Without me, she wouldn’t have gotten elected,” — President Trump, broken with president
- “Be careful what your advisers are telling you about immigration policy. The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today,” — Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar
- “As much as my opponent would like to make this election about politics in Latin America, it’s really about the people of Florida’s 27th District,” — Elliot Rodriguez
