Rodriguez Campaign Challenges Miami-Dade Election Supervisor Over Recount Conflict

Elliot Rodriguez, the Democratic candidate for Florida's 27th Congressional District, formally requested that Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia step aside from the recount process. His campaign cited a potential conflict of interest, noting that Garcia's son-in-law, a lawyer, is representing Rodriguez's opponent, Republican Maria Elvira Salazar. The campaign asked for immediate confirmation of this family relationship and the attorney's specific role in the legal proceedings.

In a statement released Thursday, Rodriguez's team argued that the connection raises serious concerns about Garcia making decisions affecting a candidate represented by a close family member. They emphasized that the recount is a statutory requirement rather than a political controversy. Salazar rejected the demand, describing her rival as an election denier who is turning the process into a political circus because he dislikes the outcome.

Deputy Supervisor of Elections Juan Mendieta confirmed to NBC6 that Garcia will not recuse herself. The race is currently too close to call, with Garcia reporting a margin of 0.46 percent. This gap places the contest within Florida's automatic recount threshold of 0.5 percent. In raw numbers, approximately 1,100 votes separate the two candidates.

Garcia noted that the certification process is not yet complete because 202 vote-by-mail ballots in the district are undergoing the curing process. This review is required before the results can be finalized. Salazar has already claimed victory, but no official winner has been declared.

The Miami-Dade County canvassing board is scheduled to begin certifying election results on Friday morning. The board will review the remaining ballots and finalize the count to determine the official outcome of the district's closest congressional race.