Union Group Targets Salazar in Little Havana Rally Days Before Midterms

UNITE HERE Local 355 held a rally in Little Havana on Thursday to pressure voters in Florida's 27th congressional district. The event took place days before the November 3 midterm election. Organizers focused on the legislative record of incumbent Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar. They accused her of abandoning her immigrant and working-class constituents.

The district includes Miami, Coral Gables, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay. Nearly three-quarters of residents are Latino. Salazar faces Democrat Eliott Rodriguez, a former CBS Miami anchor. The non-partisan Cook Political Report lists Salazar as the favorite. However, the report now calls the race competitive. It had previously labeled the seat a safe Republican hold.

Speakers at the rally criticized Salazar's votes on federal spending and social safety net programs. They pointed to recent media reports about conditions in South Florida detention facilities. Organizers also highlighted policies that moved undocumented Cuban migrants to third countries, including Africa, without due process.

Ana Sofia Pelaez, Executive Director of Miami Freedom Project, addressed the crowd. She argued that Salazar's voting record contradicts her public image. "Salazar attempts to present herself as a compassionate advocate for immigrant communities, yet her legislative record tells a different story," Pelaez said. She added that no amount of performative lip service could erase those votes.

Maikol Rodriguez, a Venezuelan worker and union member, spoke about the fear immigrants face. "I come from a country where there is a lot of mistreatment, where there are many injustices," Rodriguez said. He noted that he fled a dictatorship to defend what is just. "Latinos help make this country, and we deserve respect," he said.

Martha Cabrera, a resident of the district for 17 years, shared her personal experience. She changed her registration from Republican to Non-Party Affiliated. "I feel betrayed and disappointed by Maria Elvira Salazar," Cabrera said. She cited Salazar's support for $75 billion in funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Cabrera also mentioned cuts to benefits for the elderly.

Salazar voted with the majority of the Republican-led Congress last year. They passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. That legislation extended tax cuts from 2017 and added new ones. It increased funding for ICE ten times. It also included historic cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is used by 17% of households in the district.

UNITE HERE Local 355 leaders said they have knocked on more than 40,000 doors. They targeted Cuban and Venezuelan households to mobilize voters. Their campaign message is "Adios, Salazar!" The union aims to unseat Salazar at the ballot box.

Salazar has recently criticized President Donald Trump. She aired a campaign ad in which she declared his immigration policies have gone too far. In the ad, recorded in front of the White House, Salazar stated that 50% of 50,000 detained individuals in July had no criminal record.

Salazar told viewers to be careful about what their advisers say regarding immigration. "The same Hispanics who helped you get to the White House in 2024 feel betrayed today," she said. She clarified that she is not asking for amnesty but for a dignified life for immigrants. The race will be decided on November 3.