A televised endorsement by “The View” co-host Ana Navarro is drawing criticism after she urged viewers in Coral Gables, Miami and Key Biscayne to vote for the Democratic challenger in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, a race that covers much of Miami-Dade County.
Navarro, who said she lives in the district, told viewers Monday that the contest between Republican incumbent Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar and Democratic challenger Eliott Rodriguez has tightened unexpectedly. Salazar recently drew attention for airing an ad critical of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
“I had taken for granted this race because she won two years ago by 20 points. And this is a district Donald Trump won by 15 points … but polls have her dead even,” Navarro said on the show.
She then addressed local residents directly. “So, anybody who lives in Coral Gables, in Miami, in Key Biscayne, in downtown Miami, pay attention to that race and go vote because it’s going to matter,” Navarro continued. “And we can actually knock this woman out. There’s a great guy running. His name is Eliott Rodriguez. Give him a look!”
The remarks quickly drew criticism from conservative commentators, who argued the comments amounted to improper electioneering on a broadcast network. Daily Wire opinion editor Ben Domenech wrote on X, “How is this not electioneering? She’s literally telling them who to vote for.”
Media Research Center President David Bozell posted, “Wannabe ‘bona fide’ news,” while Heritage Foundation media fellow Tim Young wrote, “This should be the absolute end of ABC’s license.”
The comments land amid an ongoing dispute between ABC and the Federal Communications Commission over whether “The View” qualifies as “bona fide news,” a designation that would exempt it from equal-time requirements for political candidates during election coverage.
Navarro has long been open about her political views. She has been a frequent critic of Trump and appeared as a host at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Neither ABC News nor the FCC responded to requests for comment on the matter.
The outcome of the race between Salazar and Rodriguez could hinge on turnout in the very neighborhoods Navarro named, an area that includes some of Miami-Dade County’s most closely watched precincts.
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