Cuban American Journalist Could Replace Ros-Lehtinen

By NAN Staff Writer

News Americas, FORT LAUDERDALE, Fl, Weds. Aug. 29, 2018: A Cuban-American journalist was making news Tuesday night instead of reporting the news after winning the Florida Republican Primary in House District 27 to replace Cuban-born Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.

Maria Elvira Salazar beat out a crowded GOP field that included two Cuban natives and former Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Bruno Barreiro, to claim 41 percent of the votes or 15,779.

“I feel that I’m more than ready, 35 years of journalism and covering the most important political figures of our time got me ready,” Salazar said.

Last night she posted on social media: “Thank you everyone in #FL27. I am humbled by your trust and support. I look forward to representing each and every one of you in Congress.”

House District 27 has long been held by Republican Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, who decided to retire last year.

Salazar will have to face former Clinton administration Cabinet member and university president, Donna Shalala, who won the Democratic nomination for the District seat.

The 56-year-old broadcast TV presenter has worked for CNN, Univision and Telemundo. She is currently the sole anchor of Mega TV’s nightly newscast.

She is also the recipient of five Emmy Awards for her coverage of the abuses to the Haitian sugar cane cutters in the Dominican Republic, the war in El Salvador and a special news series in Cuba.