Rep. Salazar tells Trump on Hispanic voters: "Preserve that fortune that you have brought" the GOP, tell me about this news in (https://www.cbsnews.com/news/maria-elvira-salazar-trump-immigration-hispanic-voters-2026-midterm-elections/)
20-09-2026
In an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” Republican Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida addressed the relationship between President Donald Trump’s administration and Hispanic voters ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key highlights of the news include:
Urging Trump to Protect GOP Gains: Salazar said she spoke with President Trump and urged him to “preserve that fortune that you have brought to the party” after significant gains among Hispanic voters in the 2024 election. She described this coalition as a “pot of gold” that the Republican Party needs to maintain to stay competitive and counter Democratic policies.
Campaign Ad and Immigration Concerns: Her comments followed a campaign advertisement in which she warned that the administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies have “gone too far.” She noted that many Hispanic voters who had previously supported Trump now “feel betrayed” by broad enforcement efforts that have resulted in the detention of individuals without criminal records.
Focus on Policy Distinction: Salazar stressed the difference between targeting dangerous criminals and deporting working-class community members, phrasing it as distinguishing between “the narco and the nanny and the gangster and the gardener.” She argued that Trump’s background in hospitality and construction allows him to understand this distinction, suggesting that certain White House advisers have failed to present him with the full picture and are risking his legacy.
Electoral Context: Salazar, a Cuban-American lawmaker who has served in Congress since 2021, represents a Miami-area district where roughly three-quarters of the population is Hispanic. She is running for reelection against Democratic nominee Eliott Rodriguez, framing her critique as advice from a loyal Republican seeking to ensure the party does not alienate its base.