Republican Maria Elvira Salazar Beats Democrat Donna Shalala in Florida

Maria Elvira Salazar attends the SBS-Mega TV Up Front at Guastavino's in New York City on April 24, 2008. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Maria Elvira Salazar has won the U.S. House seat for Florida’s 27th Congressional district, beating incumbent Rep. Donna Shalala (D-Fla.).

Shalala, considered one of Miami’s top politicians, unexpectedly lost the race to former TV journalist Salazar.