According to a report by Semafor, Democrats are eyeing Florida's 27th congressional district, currently represented by Republican Maria Elvira Salazar, as a potential pickup in the 2026 midterm elections. The district, which includes parts of Miami-Dade County, has been a target for Democrats due to changing demographics and recent electoral performance.
In the 2024 election, Salazar won re-election by a narrow margin, defeating Democratic challenger Phil Ehr with about 51% of the vote. This close result has encouraged Democratic strategists to invest resources in the district, hoping to flip it in 2026.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has reportedly added the district to its initial target list, signaling a competitive race ahead. Local Democratic leaders have expressed optimism, citing voter registration trends and dissatisfaction with Republican policies on issues like healthcare and immigration.
However, political analysts caution that the district remains challenging for Democrats, given its history of Republican representation and the need for a strong candidate. The outcome will likely depend on candidate recruitment and national political trends heading into the 2026 elections.