Salazar, who has represented the Miami-area district since 2021, claimed victory on social media shortly after the recount concluded. "My deepest gratitude to every Republican, Democrat, and Independent who placed their trust in me," she wrote. "This victory sends a message beyond Miami: We prevailed because we LISTENED."

The race was automatically triggered for a recount under Florida law because the margin fell within the threshold requiring a machine recount. The results will be certified by the state on Nov. 17.

The contest was closely watched nationwide, not only because of its competitive nature but also because of a legal battle that unfolded during the recount. Rodriguez had sought to remove Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia from the canvassing board, arguing she appeared to favor Salazar. A judge dismissed the motion Monday morning, allowing the recount to proceed.

The dispute centered on comments Garcia made to the Miami Herald on Election Night, in which she said Salazar had won "with or without a recount." The judge called the statement "stupid" but ruled it was not sufficient grounds to remove an elected official from her position. Garcia later clarified that while Rodriguez could still win, it was not probable. Rodriguez's attorney also pointed to a photo of Garcia with Salazar, but the judge deemed it an older image and essentially irrelevant.

"It was very obvious that the judge saw the statement to the press was egregious," said attorney Juan-Carlos Planas, who represented Rodriguez. "In fact, the judge even called the statement stupid, which I think was a big thing. Listen, we knew it was going to be a stretch and the judge stated that this was us making sure that a line was drawn. These are the people that we hold to preserve our democracy."

Salazar's attorney declined to speak on camera after the ruling but issued a statement defending Garcia: "We stand firmly behind Alina Garcia and condemn the political attacks aimed at undermining the confidence in her office. A legally required recount is an opportunity to verify the results, not an excuse to vilify election officials because your candidate is losing."

After the recount results were announced, Garcia addressed the lawsuit, saying, "There are no conflicts of interest. The lawsuit recently filed against me was without merit and was immediately dismissed by a federal judge. I respect the judicial process, and I will continue to perform my responsibilities in accordance with the law."

Florida's 27th Congressional District includes parts of Miami, Coral Gables, Kendall, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, and surrounding communities. Salazar, a former television journalist, first won the seat in 2020 by defeating Democratic Rep. Donna Shalala. She won reelection two years ago by 20 points, and the district was widely seen as GOP-leaning, though Democrats had hoped to make the race competitive this cycle.

Rodriguez, a former CBS News Miami anchor, entered politics in 2026 after a nearly five-decade career in television news, including 25 years at the station. He announced his campaign in March and secured the Democratic nomination in August, defeating former federal prosecutor Robin Peguero. Salazar defeated attorney V. Michael Arias in the Republican primary.

The race drew national attention in September after Salazar taped a campaign ad warning President Trump that many Hispanic voters who supported him in 2024 "feel betrayed" by immigration enforcement campaigns that have "gone too far." The ad underscored the complex political dynamics in a district where immigration policy and Latino voter outreach are central concerns.

For local voters, the outcome reaffirms Salazar's hold on a district that Democrats had hoped to flip, while the recount and legal challenge have raised questions about election administration and transparency in Miami-Dade County. The certification on Nov. 17 will formally conclude the contest.