Republicans Win Key Florida Congressional Seats After Recounts

Republicans secured two key seats in Florida's congressional elections following a series of recounts and projections. Ryan Elijah, a former TV news anchor, won Florida's 7th Congressional District, defeating Democrat Bale Dalton by fewer than 2,000 votes. Elijah's victory, projected by the Associated Press on November 10, was supported by an endorsement from President Donald Trump. He replaces Cory Mills, who lost the GOP primary amid a House Ethics Committee investigation. The Florida Elections Canvassing Commission is expected to officially verify the results on November 17.

In Florida's 27th Congressional District, Representative María Elvira Salazar won re-election after a recount concluded on November 10. Salazar secured approximately 50.2% of the vote, defeating Democratic challenger Eliott Rodriguez by about 1,000 votes. The race was defined by a public conflict between Salazar and President Trump after she claimed the administration's deportation tactics left many Hispanics feeling "betrayed" and that the White House had "gone too far" on immigration.

While Trump maintained his official endorsement of Salazar, he amplified social media posts labeling her a "backstabber." Rodriguez, a former news anchor, attempted to capitalize on this tension and filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade election supervisor Alina García alleging bias, though a federal judge dismissed the suit. In the 7th district, Dalton congratulated Elijah on his victory.