Peguero Expands Campaign Team in Bid to Unseat Salazar in South Florida Race

Democratic congressional candidate Robin Peguero has expanded his campaign operation as he prepares to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, saying a strong and experienced team will be key to flipping the South Florida seat.

The Miami-based Democrat announced several new additions to his leadership and consulting team, including the appointment of Abia Khan as campaign manager.

Also joining the effort are media strategists Rosy Gonzalez Speers and Josh Wolf of AL Media; direct mail strategists Dylan Sumner and Emily Maercklein of Deliver Strategies; pollsters Michelle Mayorga and Ana Iparraguirre of GBAO Strategies; and general consultant James Cersonsk of Nineteen Sixty Campaigns.

Peguero is seeking the Democratic nomination alongside Richard Lamondin, while former CBS Miami journalist Eliott Rodriguez is also exploring a potential bid.

The campaign has secured a number of endorsements, including from U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat representing West Palm Beach.

“We can flip this seat and change the trajectory of South Florida with Robin Peguero,” Frankel said, describing the candidate as a prosecutor and educator with a record on affordability and public safety. She added that his background as a first-generation Latino leader positions him to connect strongly with voters.

Peguero has also been endorsed by former U.S. Rep. Donna Shalala, who previously held the seat before being defeated by María Elvira Salazar in 2020.

“We have in Miami an absolutely first-rate candidate,” Shalala said, calling Peguero qualified and capable of representing the district effectively.

Peguero said his campaign is focused on building momentum ahead of the primary and general election contests.

“I’m ready to get to work,” he said. “Unseating María Elvira Salazar will take a fighter, and the people of Miami deserve a Democratic nominee who is ready for that fight. We’ve built a significant fundraising lead with more than 5,000 donors and assembled a battle-tested team that has delivered victories in competitive races across Florida and the country. We’re in this race to fight and win.”

Before facing Salazar, Peguero must first secure the Democratic nomination. The district is considered a target seat by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.