Candidate Profile: Eliott Rodriguez — Florida's 27th Congressional District

Office sought: Democratic Candidate for Florida's 27th Congressional District

Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Campaign website: eliottrodriguez.com

Why are you running to represent Florida's 27th Congressional District?

I'm running because after more than four decades as a journalist covering South Florida, I believe this moment calls for people who understand our community, will tell people the truth and are focused on solving problems rather than creating more division.

I've lived in this community since I was 12 years old, raised my family here and spent my career listening to the people who call South Florida home. I want to take that experience to Washington and fight for families who increasingly wonder whether they can still afford to build a life here.

What are the three most important issues currently facing residents of the district?

First is affordability — the rising cost of housing, insurance, healthcare, groceries and everyday life. Second is protecting Social Security, Medicare and access to affordable healthcare. Third is protecting our democracy and the institutions that have sustained it, including the rule of law and the right of every American to have their voice heard.

What experience best prepares you to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

For more than 40 years as a journalist, I held powerful people accountable, covered government at every level and learned to separate rhetoric from facts. More importantly, I spent those decades listening to people from every walk of life. I know South Florida — its neighborhoods, institutions, diversity and challenges. That experience taught me to ask difficult questions, listen carefully and work from facts.

What would be your first major priority if elected to Congress?

Affordability. Washington needs to focus much more aggressively on what families actually pay to live. That means increasing the supply of housing, addressing the homeowners-insurance crisis, protecting affordable healthcare, lowering prescription-drug costs and looking for practical ways to reduce everyday expenses squeezing working- and middle-class families.

How would you address affordability, housing, infrastructure, insurance pressures and quality of life?

There isn't one solution. We need federal incentives that help communities build more housing people can afford, particularly near jobs and transportation; greater investment in infrastructure and resiliency; and serious federal engagement in the property-insurance crisis, including exploring a federal catastrophic backstop for truly extraordinary disasters.

We also need to protect healthcare subsidies, lower prescription costs and make sure federal investments help South Florida prepare for growth without sacrificing quality of life.

How do you plan to remain accessible and accountable?

By being present. I spent my career listening to this community, and that won't stop if I'm elected. My congressional office will hold regular community meetings, maintain strong constituent services and make a deliberate effort to hear from residents throughout the district — not only people with lobbyists or access to Washington.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

I'm not a career politician. I've spent more than four decades earning the trust of South Floridians as a journalist and have deep roots throughout this district.

I know the community, understand the issues and know how to ask questions and hold powerful institutions accountable.

Anything else voters should know?

I'm the son of working-class union parents who taught me the value of hard work, education and treating people with dignity. I'm also the father of six daughters.

I want South Florida to remain a place where our children can afford to stay, build careers, raise families and inherit a democracy worthy of them.