Senator Rick Scott urges Venezuela to set election date despite quake

U.S. Senator Rick Scott, representing Florida, said on July 14, 2026 that the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela cannot be used as an excuse to postpone the country's upcoming elections. He told journalist Jorge Agobían that “the earthquakes are not a reason to delay the date of an election, so there is no reason to halt this process.”

Scott rejected comments by Venezuelan National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez and Delcy Rodríguez, accusing the latter and Diosdado Cabello of trying to extend the Maduro regime’s hold on power. He called for the immediate release of all political prisoners, an end to repression, and a swift announcement of a free‑and‑fair election date. Scott also said he is in direct contact with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the Venezuelan situation.