Salazar Urges Biden to Protect Venezuelan Presidential Frontrunner María Corina Machado from Regime Attacks

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to defend Venezuelan presidential candidate María Corina Machado and her campaign from the Maduro regime’s concerted attacks.

“I am writing to you about the best chance we have for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and the vital need for you to protect it,” said Chairwoman Salazar. “Maduro is frightened by the popularity of the frontrunner Maria Corina Machado and is trying to sabotage her campaign and intimidate her into backing down. Do not let him succeed.”

The letter outlines the clear case for the United States to defend María Corina from the Maduro regime’s relentless attempts to put an end to her campaign. The criminal regime “disqualified” her through the corrupt Comptroller’s Office based on vague and spurious charges. Maduro also partnered with Chavista politicians, gangs, and the Colombian terrorist group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) to threaten María Corina and her campaign offices.

These moves directly violate the right of the Venezuelan people to a fair and democratic election. The upcoming presidential primary election on October 22nd, 2023, represents the best chance they have to rid themselves of more than 20 years of socialist tyranny. It is vital we secure that chance for them.

Rep. Salazar recently introduced the bipartisan VOICE Act with Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) to impose sanctions on the Maduro regime for attempting to ban opposition candidates from running in the presidential election.

To read the full letter, click HERE.

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