Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell Upsets Incumbent Curbello

CUTLER BAY, FL — Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, an immigrant from Ecuador upset incumbent Republican U.S. Representative Carlos Curbello Tuesday in what appeared to be a blue wave striking South Florida.

"Only in this incredible country does an immigrant from Ecuador get elected to serve in the United States Congress," she said in declaring victory. "It's been a really long campaign, but we've made it here together."

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She pledged to represent the people of District 26 and not special interests. "For all the voters, for everyone in District 26, no matter who you voted for, I look forward to representing each and every one of you," she said.

Mucarsel-Powell said she was overwhelmed with joy as she declared that her victory was a victory for all working families in South Florida.

"Even though some have tried to divide us, together we have proved that our strength lies in our shared values and in our common desire to build a better future for our children," she said. "My mission now is to live up to the trust that you have placed in me and to fight for the dreams I had when I came to this country as a 14-year-old immigrant, to make that a reality for each and every one of us."

In his concession speech, Curbello described the campaign difficulty.

"We faced millions upon millions of dollars in negative attacks in spending. But tonight is not a night for excuses, it's a night for excuses," he said. "It's a night for appreciation and it's also most importantly a night for healing this country."

Curbello said that politics was in a very bad state.

"Americans who disagree with one another think of themselves as enemies," Curbello added. "People have increasingly turned to violence to settle political differences, verbal violence and of course physical violence as we saw just some time ago."

Earlier, Democrat Donna Shalala claimed victory over Emmy-Award-winning journalist Maria Elvira Salazar in the battle to turn Florida's 27th Congressional District blue. She will succeed Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who is retiring.

Photo courtesy Mucarsel-Powell campaign