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Darren Soto

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Darren Soto
Image of Darren Soto

Candidate, U.S. House Florida District 9

U.S. House Florida District 9
Tenure

2017 - Present

Term ends

2025

Years in position

7

Predecessor
Prior offices
Florida House of Representatives District 49

Florida State Senate District 14

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Elections and appointments
Last elected

November 8, 2022

Next election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Rutgers College, 2000

Law

George Washington University Law Center, 2004

Personal
Religion
Christian
Professional
Attorney
Contact

Darren Soto (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Florida's 9th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2017. His current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Soto (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 9th Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024. The Democratic primary for this office on August 20, 2024, was canceled.

Biography

Email [email protected] to notify us of updates to this biography.

Darren Soto graduated from Rutgers College and received a law degree from George Washington University. Soto's professional experience includes working as president of D. Soto Law Offices, summer associate with L.A. Gonzalez Law Offices, and financial analyst with Prudential Insurance.[1]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Soto's academic, professional, and political career:[2]

  • 2017-Present: U.S. Representative from Florida's 9th Congressional District
  • 2012-2016: Florida state senator
    • 2012-2014: Deputy minority whip
  • 2007-2012: Florida state representative
  • 2004: Graduated from George Washington University with a J.D.
  • 2000: Graduated from Rutgers College with a B.A.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2023-2024

Soto was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

2021-2022

Soto was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

2019-2020

Soto was assigned to the following committees:[Source]

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Soto was assigned to the following committees:[3]

State legislature

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Soto served on the following committees:

2013-2014

At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Soto served on the following committees:

2011-2012

In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Soto served on the following committees:

2009-2010

In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Soto served on the following committees:

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, at which point Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023
Vote Bill and description Status
Yes check.svg Yea Yes check.svg Passed (310-118)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (227-201)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (217-215)
Yes check.svg Yea Yes check.svg Passed (328-86)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (225-204)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (219-200)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (229-197)
Yes check.svg Yea Yes check.svg Passed (314-117)
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) (216-212)
Yes check.svg Yea Yes check.svg Passed (216-210)
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) (220-209)
Red x.svg Nay Yes check.svg Passed (221-212)
Yes check.svg Yea Yes check.svg Passed (311-114)


Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Elections

2024

See also: Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2024

Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Republican primary)

Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2024 (August 20 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 9

Incumbent Darren Soto, Thomas Chalifoux, and Marcus Carter are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 9 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Darren_Soto_115th_Congress_photo.jpg
Darren Soto (D)
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/tchalifoux.jpg
Thomas Chalifoux (R) Candidate Connection
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/MarcusCarter2024.jpg
Marcus Carter (No Party Affiliation) Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Darren Soto advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 9.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9

Thomas Chalifoux defeated John Quiñones and Jose Castillo in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9 on August 20, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/tchalifoux.jpg
Thomas Chalifoux Candidate Connection
 
49.6
 
12,651
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/John_Quiones_20240812_114800.jpeg
John Quiñones
 
25.7
 
6,551
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JoseCastillo2024.png
Jose Castillo Candidate Connection
 
24.7
 
6,287

Total votes: 25,489
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2022

See also: Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 9

Incumbent Darren Soto defeated Scotty Moore in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 9 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Darren_Soto_115th_Congress_photo.jpg
Darren Soto (D)
 
53.6
 
108,541
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/ScottyMoore2.jpg
Scotty Moore (R) Candidate Connection
 
46.4
 
93,827

Total votes: 202,368
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Darren Soto advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 9.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9

Scotty Moore defeated Jose Castillo, Adianis Morales, and Sergio Ortiz in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9 on August 23, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/ScottyMoore2.jpg
Scotty Moore Candidate Connection
 
55.9
 
16,971
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JoseCastillo2024.png
Jose Castillo Candidate Connection
 
24.8
 
7,537
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/adianis_morales.jpg
Adianis Morales Candidate Connection
 
13.1
 
3,969
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Sergio-Ortiz.jpg
Sergio Ortiz
 
6.3
 
1,900

Total votes: 30,377
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2020

See also: Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2020

Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 18 Republican primary)

Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2020 (August 18 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 9

Incumbent Darren Soto defeated Bill Olson and Clay Hill in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 9 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Darren_Soto_115th_Congress_photo.jpg
Darren Soto (D)
 
56.0
 
240,724
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/olsonbill1.png
Bill Olson (R) Candidate Connection
 
44.0
 
188,889
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Clay Hill (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in)
 
0.0
 
25

Total votes: 429,638
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Darren Soto advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 9.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9

Bill Olson defeated Christopher Wright, Jose Castillo, and Sergio Ortiz in the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9 on August 18, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/olsonbill1.png
Bill Olson Candidate Connection
 
48.6
 
20,751
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Christopher_Wright1.jpg
Christopher Wright Candidate Connection
 
22.7
 
9,677
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/JoseCastillo2024.png
Jose Castillo Candidate Connection
 
20.1
 
8,595
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Sergio-Ortiz.jpg
Sergio Ortiz Candidate Connection
 
8.6
 
3,680

Total votes: 42,703
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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2018

See also: Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Florida District 9

Incumbent Darren Soto defeated Wayne Liebnitzky in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 9 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Darren_Soto_115th_Congress_photo.jpg
Darren Soto (D)
 
58.0
 
172,172
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Wayne_Liebnitzky.jpg
Wayne Liebnitzky (R)
 
42.0
 
124,565

Total votes: 296,737
(100.00% precincts reporting)
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 9

Incumbent Darren Soto defeated Alan Grayson in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Florida District 9 on August 28, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Darren_Soto_115th_Congress_photo.jpg
Darren Soto
 
66.4
 
36,586
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Alan_Grayson_high_res.jpg
Alan Grayson
 
33.6
 
18,528

Total votes: 55,114
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9

Wayne Liebnitzky advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Florida District 9 on August 28, 2018.

Candidate
Image of https://s3.amazonaws.com/ballotpedia-api4/files/thumbs/100/100/Wayne_Liebnitzky.jpg
Wayne Liebnitzky

Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates



Democratic primary election

Darren Soto ran to represent Florida's 9th congressional district

Campaign finance

Democratic Party Democrats

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.


The table below summarizes the endorsements Ballotpedia identified for Democratic candidates in this primary.

Do you know of an official or organization that endorsed a candidate in this race? Let Ballotpedia know by email at [email protected].

Democratic candidate endorsements
Endorsement Date Grayson Soto (I)
Organizations
Boricua Vota[100] August 13, 2018
Giffords PAC[101] July 31, 2018
Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida[102] July 26, 2018
Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate[103] July 19, 2018
Latino Victory Fund[104] July 17, 2018
Blue America PAC[105] May 10, 2018
Congressional Progressive Caucus[106] March 16, 2018
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee[107] May 1, 2018
Planned Parenthood Action Fund[101] May 16, 2018
Orlando Professional Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1365[108] June 5, 2018
Central Florida Police Benevolent Association[108] June 5, 2018
Human Rights Campaign[109] June 19, 2018
National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare[110] July 12, 2018
Our Revolution Orlando[111] July 12, 2018
Federal officials
Rep. John Lewis (D-GA)[112] May 17, 2018
National figures
Joe Biden[113] May 29, 2018
San Juan Mayor Carmen Yulín Cruz[101] July 29, 2018
Online presence
May 16, 2018

The following social media statistics were compiled on May 16, 2018.

Facebook Twitter
Candidate Followers Likes Comments on Last Ten Posts Followers Following Tweets
Democratic Party Grayson 170,140 180,659 55 70,754 183 2,916
Democratic Party Soto 8,535 3,967 213 5,578 3,025 1,662

2016

See also: Florida's 9th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Alan Grayson (D) did not seek re-election in 2016. Darren Soto (D) defeated Wayne Liebnitzky (R) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Soto defeated Susannah Randolph, Dena Grayson, and Valleri Crabtree in the Democratic primary, while Liebnitzky defeated Wanda Rentas to win the Republican nomination. The primary elections took place on August 30, 2016.[114][115]

U.S. House, Florida District 9 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDarren Soto 57.5% 195,311
     Republican Wayne Liebnitzky 42.5% 144,450
Total Votes 339,761
Source: Florida Division of Elections


U.S. House, Florida District 9 Republican Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngWayne Liebnitzky 67.6% 22,725
Wanda Rentas 32.4% 10,911
Total Votes 33,636
Source: Florida Division of Elections
U.S. House, Florida District 9 Democratic Primary, 2016
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngDarren Soto 36.3% 14,496
Susannah Randolph 28.2% 11,267
Dena Grayson 27.8% 11,122
Valleri Crabtree 7.7% 3,093
Total Votes 39,978
Source: Florida Division of Elections

2014

See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2014

Elections for the Florida State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on August 26, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was June 20, 2014. Incumbent Darren Soto was unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Devin Norton (I) in the general election.[116][117]

Florida State Senate, District 14 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDarren Soto Incumbent 75% 71,029
     Independent Devin Norton 25% 23,625
Total Votes 94,654

2012

See also: Florida State Senate elections, 2012

Soto won election in the 2012 election for Florida State Senate District 14. Soto ran unopposed in the Democratic primary on August 14, 2012, and defeated William McBride (R) in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[118]

Florida State Senate, District 14, General Election, 2012
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngDarren Soto 70% 113,222
     Republican William McBride 30% 48,440
Total Votes 161,662

2010

See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2010

Soto ran for re-election to the 49th District seat in 2010. He did not face any opposition in the August 24 primary. Soto defeated Betty La Chance in the general election on November 2, 2010.[119]

Florida House of Representatives, District 49
2010 General election results
Candidates Votes Percent
Green check mark transparent.png Darren Soto (D) 20,826 75.33%
Betty La Chance (NPA) 6,821 24.67%

2008

See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2008

On November 4, 2008, Soto won re-election to the Florida House of Representatives from Florida's 49th District, defeating J.P. Quinones (R). Soto received 36,644 votes in the election while Quinones received 19,648 votes.[120] Soto raised $109,028 for his campaign; Quinones raised $166,630.[121]

Florida House of Representatives, District 49
Candidates Votes Percent
Green check mark transparent.png Darren Soto (D) 36,644 65.1%
J.P. Quinones (R) 19,648 34.9%

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

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Twitter


2022

Darren Soto did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Darren Soto did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Campaign website

The following themes were found on Soto's official campaign website.

Puerto Rico
In Congress, I fought for and voted for the Disaster Relief package for Puerto Rico and Florida which provided $4 billion for Puerto Rico and $5 billion for Central Florida.

When President Trump wanted to pull out food and water aid going to Puerto Rico, I led the effort to ensure these basic necessities continued to reach Puerto Ricans on the island by leading a Congressional letter with 50 co-signers to FEMA Administrator Long.

The Trump administration has tried to get rid of these program many times but I continue pressuring the administration by bringing sustained public and media attention to these issues. I also have fought for months to get FEMA lease vouchers approved in the face of major opposition from the Trump administration.

I will continue to fight for the Island’s recovery from Hurricane Maria for as long as it takes to get the job done. And I will work to make the Puerto Ricans who have relocated to Florida feel welcome.

Gun safety reform
Following the shocking massacre at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub in 2016, I called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to reform our gun laws.

In Congress, after the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, I proposed a 5 point gun safety plan:

  • Universal background checks for all gun purchases
  • Keeping guns away from those who are a danger to themselves or others
  • Banning assault weapons and bump stocks
  • Creating a “red-flag” system to issue gun restraining orders
  • No Fly, No Buy – ban guns for those on FBI terror watch list
  • My call for reform immediately put me in the crosshairs of the Florida NRA:

“These ultra-liberal, gun hating Democrats should be ashamed.” - NRA Florida lobbyist Marion Hammer I’m not afraid to stand up to the gun lobby. In Congress, I’ll continue to fight for common sense gun safety reforms. We can respect Second Amendment rights while keeping guns out of dangerous hands. We owe it to the victims and survivors of the gun violence epidemic in our country.

Reproductive rights and women's health
I am proud to have Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s endorsement for my 2018 re-election campaign. I have been endorsed by Planned Parenthood in my previous 4 elections (2018, 2016, 2012, 2010).

Women have a right to control their own bodies. Reproductive health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor – and nobody else.

I was proud to lead the fight on the Florida State Senate Floor to defeat an outrageous 24-hour abortion waiting period bill. Soon after, the ACLU filed a lawsuit challenging the law that used my arguments as a framework – and in a huge win for women, the Florida Supreme Court agreed with us and put that anti-choice law on hold.

I was also proud to lead the fight in the Florida Senate to successfully double the statute of limitations for crimes of sexual violence, so that rapists and predators can be held accountable and taken off the street.

In Congress, I always stand up for the right of women to make their own health and family planning decisions – and I will continue to fight tooth-and-nail against any effort to defund Planned Parenthood and take away comprehensive women’s health services.

Social Security
At a time when nine out of ten seniors rely on Social Security to make ends meet, we must strengthen and expand Social Security, not cut it. Social Security is among the most successful government programs in our Nation’s history: It nearly eradicated destitute poverty in old age, made a dignified retirement possible for millions of Americans, and helped build the great American middle class.

I am a cosponsor of the Social Security 2100 Act which would fully fund Social Security to 2100 and beyond. In Congress, I stand up for our seniors and fight every attempt to privatize or cut Social Security. I was proud to vote against the GOP tax scam which will lead to major cuts to Social Security due to “Pay-go” Laws.

Environmental protections

I am thrilled to be the greenest member of the Florida Congressional Delegation. My National Environmental Scorecard from the League of Conservation Voters is 100%, the highest of any Florida legislator.

In Congress, I’m pushing for investments in renewable energy sources and education for a new generation of scientists to conquer the challenges ahead. We’ve made tremendous progress, but we can’t afford to go backward.

Corporate polluters and their political allies are fighting tooth and nail to do away with critical regulations that protect our land, water, air, and people from pollution and climate change.

Trump signed an executive action to expand offshore drilling along our coasts – an unmistakable threat to our ecosystem and communities, particularly here in Florida.

Florida is blessed with a unique and beautiful environment, from America’s Everglades to endless miles of pristine beaches. Our economy and quality of life depend on keeping Florida clean – and that’s not worth sacrificing for the short-term gain of corporate polluters.

That’s why I’m fighting to pass a statewide ban on fracking and have fought to protect our sensitive ecosystems. I was named Champion of the Everglades by Audubon Florida in 2015 because of my record on fighting for our environment. In Congress, I’m fighting to ban fracking on all our public lands and finish the work begun by President Obama to reduce our reliance on carbon fuels.

Climate change
I'm outraged that Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. Trump's decision is hurting our environment, our national security, and America's standing in the world.

America should be at the forefront of the effort to reduce fossil fuel emissions and confront the threat of climate change. That's why I'm fighting in Congress to invest in renewable energy, protect our environment, and reduce the financial burden on students who graduate with degrees in science and technology. We have the opportunity to build a clean energy economy and drastically reduce our fossil fuel emissions; we can't afford to lose the progress we've made.

Here in Florida, we have a lot to lose from climate change – we have more private property at risk from climate change than any other state. If we don’t act now, rising sea levels and intensified hurricanes will pose a growing threat to our economy and our well-being.

We must listen to the scientists: Climate change is real and it is caused by human activity. We must dramatically reduce our carbon emissions and transition to a clean energy future.

Jobs and the economy
I’m focused on bringing high-paying, high tech jobs to Central Florida by funding local initiatives:

  • $15 million to help build a high-tech sensor manufacturing facility in Kissimmee
  • $25 million to develop the Poinciana campus of Valencia College.
  • Millions of dollars for high-tech training (UCF RESTORES)
  • More funding for medical research in Lake Nona (Nemours) --> Millions of National Early Child Care *Collaboratives Program (Nemours)
  • Millions of dollars in increased funding for NASA and commercial space flight (Cape Canaveral)

Next: I’m working on funding to develop a high-tech sensors manufacturing center in Osceola County.

I am fighting for long overdue investments to modernize our roads, bridges, schools, water systems, and clean energy capacity. These investments in our country are what created the middle class, and renewed investment would help local business and provide employment and purpose to Floridians currently out of work.

LGBT equality

Here in Central Florida, we embrace our proud LGBT community – and after the horrific attack on the Pulse nightclub in 2016, we all rallied together to support our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. Our neighbors are of every race, religion, nationality, gender identity, and sexual orientation and we are proud of it. We celebrate it. We believe love is love. That’s what makes us Orlando Strong.

In the Florida Senate, I sponsored legislation to remove the provision in Florida statutes that defined marriage between a man and a woman. I also led the effort to filibuster a bill that would allow discrimination of LGBT couples in the adoption process.

In Congress, I was proud to vote against banning transgender Americans from serving in our military. I continue to strongly oppose the Trump administration’s attempts to reduce healthcare rights for the LGBT+ community. In addition, I stand strongly against Trump’s attempts to allow open discrimination against the LGBT+ community under the guise of religion. In Congress, I’ll fight to pass the Equality Act to provide nationwide protections to LGBT+ Americans against discrimination in employment, housing, and education.

Health care
I was proud to vote against the disastrous “TrumpCare” proposal, and will continuously fight to preserve and improve the Affordable Care Act to ensure high quality healthcare to all Americans.

I support Medicare for All to provide a public option to complement the ACA. There have been several attempts to cut healthcare coverage under the Trump Administration. We expect more of their attempts to undermine our health care system in order to give tax cuts to wealthy corporations.

When someone is sick or injured, we have a responsibility to ensure they get the care they need--without going bankrupt. President Obama’s Affordable Care Act expanded access to quality health care and brought the number of uninsured to a historic low. With your support, I’ll do everything I can in Congress to stop the Republicans from repealing it.

In all, over 1.6 million Floridians now have quality health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act, and it’s making a real difference in the lives of those who went years without seeing a doctor.

All Floridians should have access to health coverage. I’ve been leading the fight to expand Medicaid in Florida, and in Congress, I’ll continue the fight to defend and improve on the Affordable Care Act.

Immigration reform
In Congress, I have fought alongside my fellow members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to fight for a clean DREAM Act. I joined them to literally shut down the government in order to force Trump and the GOP to provide a permanent solution for our DREAMers. In addition, I pushed for an extension of TPS and a pathway to citizenship for our immigrant communities.

Passing comprehensive immigration reform – with a pathway to citizenship – must be at the top of our agenda. Our laws need to catch up with our values and with reality. We aren’t going to deport 11 million undocumented people, the vast majority of whom are working hard, paying taxes, playing by the rules, and contributing to our economy and our community.

In the Florida Legislature, I worked across the aisle to get progressive priorities signed into law in a contentious political environment – including bills to allow DREAMers to pay in-state tuition at our public universities and to be admitted to the Florida Bar.

Trade

NAFTA didn't work, and I opposed the TPP as well. I believe we can and must do better, but insulting our allies and friends is not the way to achieve our trade goals.

"Free trade" is a nice idea, in theory. But when a "free" trade deal is unfair to working families in Florida, I'll fight it every step of the way. [122]

Darren Soto Democrat for Congress[123]

2016

Campaign Website

The following issues were listed on Soto's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

  • Gun Safety Reform: My proposal: Ban gun sales in Florida to anyone on the “no fly” and terrorist watch lists. It’s a commonsense idea that enjoys broad support in Florida and across the country. It also could have potentially stopped the Pulse shooter from buying the weapon that allowed him to kill so many people.
  • Reproductive Rights and Women’s Health: Women have a right to control their own bodies. Reproductive health care decisions should be between a woman and her doctor – and nobody else.
  • Social Security: At a time when nine out of ten seniors rely on Social Security to make ends meet, we must strengthen and expand Social Security, not cut it. Social Security is among the most successful government programs in our nation’s history: It nearly eradicated destitute poverty in old age, made a dignified retirement possible for millions of Americans, and paved the way to the great American middle class.
  • Environmental Protections: Florida is blessed with a unique and beautiful environment, from America’s Everglades to endless miles of pristine beaches. Our economy and quality of life depend on keeping Florida clean – and that’s not worth sacrificing for the short-term gain of corporate polluters.
  • Trade: I oppose the TPP and I would vote against it as a member of Congress.[122]
—Darren Soto's campaign website, http://www.darrensoto.com/issues/

Campaign finance summary


Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.


Darren Soto campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* U.S. House Florida District 9On the Ballot general$1,434,469 $700,057
2022U.S. House Florida District 9Won general$1,337,428 $1,445,548
2020U.S. House Florida District 9Won general$1,115,842 $949,960
2018U.S. House Florida District 9Won general$1,511,579 $1,534,325
2016U.S. House, Florida District 9Won $1,185,911 N/A**
2014Florida State Senate, District 14Won $137,925 N/A**
2012Florida State Senate, District 14Won $387,915 N/A**
2010Florida State House, District 49Won $67,464 N/A**
2008Florida State House, District 49Won $109,028 N/A**
2006Florida State House, District 49Lost $8,107 N/A**
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only availabale data.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Darren Soto
EndorseeElectionStageOutcome
Kamala D. Harris  source  (D, Working Families Party) President of the United States (2024) PrimaryAdvanced in Convention
David Trone  source  (D) U.S. Senate Maryland (2024) PrimaryLost Primary
Tom Perez  source  (D) Governor of Maryland (2022) PrimaryLost Primary
Joe Biden  source  (D, Working Families Party) President of the United States (2020) PrimaryWon General

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in Florida

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of Florida scorecards, email suggestions to [email protected].








2016

In 2016, the Florida State Legislature was in session from January 12 through March 11.

Legislators are scored on their stances on economic issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to social issues.
Legislators are scored on their stances on healthcare related issues.
Legislators are scored on whether the organization believes they are making an effort to provide “a uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality system of free public schools that allows students to obtain a high quality education.”
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills supported or opposed by the organization.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.


2015


2014


2013

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus on September 8, 2021

See also: Politicians, candidates, and government officials diagnosed with or quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020
Covid vnt.png
Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more.


On September 8, 2021, Soto announced he tested positive for COVID-19. He said he was fully vaccinated at the time he contracted the virus.[124]

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Project Vote Smart, "Rep. Soto Biography," accessed April 23, 2014
  2. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "SOTO, Darren Michael, (1978 - )," accessed January 11, 2017
  3. U.S. House Clerk, ""Official Alphabetical List of the House of Representatives of the United States One Hundred Fifteenth Congress,"" accessed February 2, 2017
  4. Congress.gov, "H.R.2670 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024," accessed February 23, 2024
  5. Congress.gov, "H.R.185 - To terminate the requirement imposed by the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for proof of COVID-19 vaccination for foreign travelers, and for other purposes." accessed February 23, 2024
  6. Congress.gov, "H.R.2811 - Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023," accessed February 23, 2024
  7. Congress.gov, "H.Con.Res.9 - Denouncing the horrors of socialism." accessed February 23, 2024
  8. Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - Lower Energy Costs Act," accessed February 23, 2024
  9. Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.30 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to 'Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights'." accessed February 23, 2024
  10. Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.7 - Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020." accessed February 23, 2024
  11. Congress.gov, "H.R.3746 - Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023," accessed February 23, 2024
  12. Congress.gov, "Roll Call 20," accessed February 23, 2024
  13. Congress.gov, "H.Res.757 - Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant.," accessed February 23, 2024
  14. Congress.gov, "Roll Call 527," accessed February 23, 2024
  15. Congress.gov, "H.Res.757 - Declaring the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives to be vacant." accessed February 23, 2024
  16. Congress.gov, "H.Res.878 - Providing for the expulsion of Representative George Santos from the United States House of Representatives." accessed February 23, 2024
  17. Congress.gov, "H.R.3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," accessed April 15, 2022
  18. Congress.gov, "H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
  19. Congress.gov, "H.R.5376 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
  20. Congress.gov, "H.R.3617 - Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  21. Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
  22. Congress.gov, "H.R.1808 - Assault Weapons Ban of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
  23. Congress.gov, "S.1605 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022," accessed April 15, 2022
  24. Congress.gov, "H.R.7776 - James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
  25. Congress.gov, "H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
  26. Congress.gov, "S.3373 - Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
  27. Congress.gov, "H.R.4346 - Chips and Science Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  28. Congress.gov, "H.R.3755 - Women's Health Protection Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
  29. Congress.gov, "H.R.1996 - SAFE Banking Act of 2021," accessed April 15, 2022
  30. Congress.gov, "H.R.2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022," accessed January 20, 2023
  31. Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 15, 2022
  32. Congress.gov, "H.R.8404 - Respect for Marriage Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  33. Congress.gov, "H.R.6833 - Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
  34. Congress.gov, "H.R.7688 - Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  35. Congress.gov, "H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021," accessed January 20, 2023
  36. Congress.gov, "H.R.5746 - Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  37. Congress.gov, "S.2938 - Bipartisan Safer Communities Act," accessed January 20, 2023
  38. Congress.gov, "H.Res.24 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.," accessed April 15, 2022
  39. Congress.gov, "H.R.2617 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023," accessed January 20, 2023
  40. Congress.gov, "H.R.1044 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act of 2020," accessed March 22, 2024
  41. Congress.gov, "H.R.6800 - The Heroes Act," accessed April 23, 2024
  42. Congress.gov, "H.R.1 - For the People Act of 2019," accessed April 23, 2024
  43. Congress.gov, "H.R.748 - CARES Act," accessed April 23, 2024
  44. Congress.gov, "H.R.5 - Equality Act," accessed April 23, 2024
  45. Congress.gov, "H.R.8 - Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019," accessed April 23, 2024
  46. Congress.gov, "H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
  47. Congress.gov, "S.1790 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
  48. Congress.gov, "H.R.6201 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act," accessed April 24, 2024
  49. Congress.gov, "H.R.1994 - Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
  50. Congress.gov, "H.R.3 - Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act," accessed March 22, 2024
  51. Congress.gov, "H.R.1865 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
  52. Congress.gov, "S.1838 - Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
  53. Congress.gov, "H.R.3884 - MORE Act of 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
  54. Congress.gov, "H.R.6074 - Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020," accessed April 27, 2024
  55. Congress.gov, "H.J.Res.31 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
  56. Congress.gov, "S.47 - John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act," accessed April 27, 2024
  57. Congress.gov, "H.R.6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021," accessed April 27, 2024
  58. Congress.gov, "H.R.6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021," accessed April 27, 2024
  59. Congress.gov, "S.24 - Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019," accessed April 27, 2024
  60. Congress.gov, "H.Res.755 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors," accessed April 27, 2024
  61. Congress.gov, "H.Res.755 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors," accessed April 27, 2024
  62. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed December 13, 2018
  63. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 284," June 21, 2018
  64. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 282," June 21, 2018
  65. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 434," accessed March 12, 2019
  66. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 549," October 3, 2017
  67. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 344," June 29, 2017
  68. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 342," June 29, 2017
  69. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 256," May 4, 2017
  70. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 405," September 26, 2018
  71. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 399," September 13, 2018
  72. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 313," June 28, 2018
  73. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 257," June 8, 2018
  74. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 216," May 22, 2018
  75. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 127," March 22, 2018
  76. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 69," February 9, 2018
  77. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 60," February 6, 2018
  78. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 44," January 22, 2018
  79. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 33," January 18, 2018
  80. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 708," December 21, 2017
  81. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 692," December 19, 2017
  82. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 670," December 7, 2017
  83. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 637," November 16, 2017
  84. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 589," October 26, 2017
  85. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 557," October 5, 2017
  86. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 528," September 14, 2017
  87. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 480," September 8, 2017
  88. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 441," September 6, 2017
  89. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 299," June 8, 2017
  90. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 249," May 3, 2017
  91. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 230," May 24, 2018
  92. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 49," January 30, 2018
  93. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 631," November 14, 2017
  94. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 435," July 27, 2017
  95. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 413," July 25, 2017
  96. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 437," July 28, 2017
  97. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 407," July 24, 2017
  98. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results For Roll Call 378," July 14, 2017
  99. Clerk.House.gov, "Final Vote Results for Roll Call 136," March 8, 2017
  100. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named vota
  101. 101.0 101.1 101.2 DarrenSoto.com, accessed May 16, 2018
  102. Floridapolitics.com, "Darren Soto picks up Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida nod" July 26, 2018
  103. Floridapolitics.com, "Moms gun control group likes Darren Soto in CD 9," July 19, 2018
  104. , "Darren Soto endorsed by Latino Victory Fund," July 17, 2018
  105. Floridapolitics.com, "Alan Grayson gets backing of Blue America PAC in CD 9 Democratic race," May 10, 2018
  106. DarrenSoto.com, "Progressive Caucus Endorses Soto," March 16, 2018
  107. Politico, "Grayson says he'll challenge Soto in Florida's 9th," May 1, 2018
  108. 108.0 108.1 Florida Politics, "Darren Soto picks up nods from firefighters, police unions," June 5, 2018
  109. Florida Politics, "Darren Soto picks up Human Rights Campaign endorsement," June 19, 2018
  110. Florida Politics, "Social Security Group endorses Darren Soto in for re-election," July 12, 2018
  111. Orlando Politics, "Alan Grayson Receives Endorsement from Our Revolution Orlando," July 12, 2018
  112. Florida Politics, "Darren Soto picks up endorsement from U.S. Rep. John Lewis," May 17, 2018
  113. Politico, "Biden endorses Soto over Grayson in Florida congressional primary," May 29, 2018
  114. Florida Department of State, "Candidate Listing for 2016 General Election," accessed June 25, 2016
  115. Politico, " Florida House Races Results," August 30, 2016
  116. Florida Division of Elections, "2014 Florida Election Watch - Multi-County or District Offices," accessed September 3, 2014
  117. Florida Division of Elections, "Candidate Listing for 2014 General Election," accessed June 23, 2014
  118. Florida Elections Division, "Candidate List," accessed June 14, 2012
  119. Florida Department of Elections, "November 2, 2010, Election Results," November 2, 2010
  120. Florida Department of Elections, "Florida House Official Election Results," November 4, 2008
  121. District 49 Florida House candidate funds, 2008
  122. 122.0 122.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
  123. "Darren on the issues," accessed May 16, 2018
  124. The Hill, "Florida Democrat becomes latest breakthrough COVID-19 case in House," September 8, 2021

Political offices
Preceded by
Alan Grayson (D)
U.S. House Florida District 9
2017-Present
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by
-
Florida State Senate District 14
2012-2016
Succeeded by
-
Preceded by
-
Florida House of Representatives District 49
2007-2012
Succeeded by
-


Senators
Representatives
District 1
District 2
Neal Dunn (R)
District 3
District 4
District 5
District 6
District 7
District 8
District 9
District 10
District 11
District 12
District 13
Anna Luna (R)
District 14
District 15
District 16
District 17
District 18
District 19
District 20
District 21
District 22
District 23
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
District 28
Republican Party (22)
Democratic Party (8)