MIAMI (AP) — Republican Maria Elvira Salazar has defeated Democrat Donna Shalala for a U.S. House seat in Florida.
Salazar, a Spanish-language television newscaster, won in her second try for the office after Shalala prevailed in 2018.
“As your congresswoman, I vow that in Washington I will represent the spirit that lives in this district, the ultimate melting pot: the City of Miami,” Salazar said. “To my constituents who did not vote for me, I will serve you as if you did.”
The district covers much of the central Miami area and has generally been considered Democratic.
Salazar sharply criticized Shalala for failing to timely report several stock sales as required.
Shalala conceded late Tuesday night, releasing a statement reading in part, “I want to thank my opponent. It has been a spirited campaign. It has been a great honor to represent the people of Miami-Dade.”
Shalala previously served as President Bill Clinton’s secretary of Health and Human Services. Shalala also is a former president of the University of Miami and chancellor at the University of Wisconsin.
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