After eight years in the Florida legislature, State Senator Darren Soto officially announced he was running for Congress yesterday. Soto launched his congressional campaign on the steps of the Orange County Courthouse, surrounded by a large group of supporters, including Democratic elected officials like State Attorney Jeff Ashton, Osceola Clerk of Courts Armando Ramirez, Representative John Cortes, Commissioner Sam Ings and Florida Democratic Party Secretary Jimmy Auffant among others.
“When I began this journey, I ran for a seat in the Florida House because I saw two qualities that were too often lacking among our elected officials: a true desire to help people and a sense of humility,” Soto said in a kickoff message to supporters.
Soto is also looking to make history as the first Puerto Rican congressman from Florida and the first Hispanic elected to Congress from Central Florida. Nearly 45% of Florida’s 9th Congressional District residents are Hispanic.
“I’ve always believed that inspiration is the best way to lead rather than the negativity that we have seen so often in Tallahassee and also in Washington,” Soto told the large crowd of supporters at the courthouse.
As both a state representative and state senator, Soto proved himself to be an effective and qualified Democratic legislator, who successfully delivered for his community and district despite the overwhelming Republican majority in Tallahassee.
In his congressional announcement, Soto made it clear key Democratic issues and causes would be central to his campaign. Soto has long been a friend to the unions and supportive of labor issues. During his announcement, he called for a $10.10 minimum wage and more union rights. He also touched on the need for more protections for Social Security and Medicare as well as strengthening the Affordable Care Act.
Soto, whose wife is a public school teacher, also made it clear he would like to see more federal investment in education. In the legislature, Soto voted to stop the Parent Trigger bill and voted against bad pension legislation. He also filed a bill to raise teacher salaries and played an important part in getting the Valencia Poinciana campus built.
Of course, jobs will be a top priority for Soto if elected to Congress. He mentioned a focus on bringing more high-tech and medical jobs to Florida, as well as a focus on continuing to build the space and solar industries. Among other pressing national issues, Soto is ready to work to deliver comprehensive immigration reform and favors international diplomacy before war in Congress.
“In my work as a legislator, I’ve sought to propose bold, progressive solutions in the face of tough challenges, to work hard and understand the issues deeply, and to be accessible and speak honestly to all constituents whether they support me or not,” Soto wrote. “Most importantly, I’ve sought to lead with love, instill hope, and inspire the good in all of us, regardless of the political fights raging around us. And it worked.”
“Our state is healthier, cleaner, greener, and more prosperous because of the progressive policies we worked so hard to pass in a difficult political environment. Now, it’s time to take our message of hope and progress to Washington, D.C. where it is badly needed.”
Soto will face Valleri Crabtree, Ricardo Rangel and Susannah Randolph in the Democratic primary.
