Taddeo Leads Salazar in new Cook Report

Florida state Senator Annette Taddeo (D) has been on the campaign trail as she seeks to unseat Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R). In a newly released Cook Political Report, the election for Florida’s 27^th congressional district could favor the Democratic challenger. Taddeo is now calling Salazar “politically convenient” as Salazar meets with voters to clinch her reelection.

In a press release from Salazar, the Florida Republican warns of the likelihood that Taddeo could come out the victor.

“The Cook Political Report just upgraded the Democrats’ chances of flipping this must-win congressional seat for a second time, and Annette Taddeo and her allies are celebrating.”

Both lawmakers have launched verbal jabs at each other, and Taddeo challenged Salazar to four televised events, which would consist of two debates in English and 2 debates in Spanish.

Salazar maintains that Taddeo will support the Left-wing sector of the Democratic party, claiming that Taddeo being elected would result in more socialist policies. In contrast, Taddeo has called Salazar a socialist lawmaker, arguing that “Maria Elvira only stands up for victims of communism when it’s politically convenient.”

The race between Salazar and Taddeo is one of the most closely watched races in the state, considering that district 27 has elected both Republicans and Democrats in recent years. With polls indicating that Taddeo has a slight advantage, Salazar has continued meeting with voters, most recently stopping by the restaurant Orgullo Catracho to answer questions and concerns from voters.

Similarly, Taddeo has made stops in restaurants, telling voters that district 27^th needs different leadership.

“Our community needs an independent voice in Congress, not one that is desperate to score political points with extremist in her party,” shared Taddeo on social media, adding that “South Floridians will cast their ballots and decide between my far-right, MAGA opponent and me.”

Instead, Taddeo says that her campaign has chosen “freedom and democracy” as opposed to Salazar.