National Republicans are targeting Central Florida Democratic Congressman Darren Soto, and the issue of an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and claims of antisemitism are hitting the Democrat from both sides of the political aisle.
The National Republican Congressional Committee recently said Rep. Darren Soto has been noticeably silent about a Democrat-led effort to call for a ceasefire in the Florida House. The NRCC stated that as a former member of the Florida House, it should not be hard for Soto to condemn this kind of behavior, “so why is Soto ignoring antisemitism?”
“Antisemitism has no place in Florida, and Darren Soto’s refusal to speak out against it makes him complicit in this crisis,” said NRCC spokeswoman Delanie Bomar. “This tells you all you need to know about Soto’s dangerous, antisemitic agenda.”
In the Florida House, Jacksonville Democratic State Representative Angie Nixon proposed supporting a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, but even Democrats wanted nothing to do with that, voting against the measure 104-2. Only progressive Orlando State Rep. Anna Eskamani voted to support the ceasefire measure.
In November, U.S. Rep. Soto participated in a bipartisan candlelight vigil remembering those killed during Hamas’ October 7th attack and called for the safe return of hostages taken, including Americans. “We must work across the aisle to secure lasting peace for Israel and Palestine,” Rep. Soto tweeted at the time.
He also met with local Central Florida Muslim leaders about the Israel-Hamas War. “We must protect innocent Palestinian civilians, support the $100 million request by President Biden for humanitarian assistance, and ensure this relief is delivered to save lives,” Soto tweeted about that meeting.
Rep. Soto also thanked President Joe Biden for his efforts to help broker a hostage deal, saying he was “grateful” for a temporary ceasefire. “Grateful for the 4-day temporary cease-fire and release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas War,” Rep. Soto said. “They’ll be primarily women and children, and include American hostages.”
As the Republicans look to make this an issue politically in the important Central Florida congressional race, some Democrats are pushing Rep. Soto to do more and want him to sign a “Ceasefire Now” resolution. There’s an ongoing movement based in Kissimmee to have voters call his office to demand he sign on to the ceasefire measure. The Sunrise Movement Orlando calls on “Rep. Soto to support a ceasefire and take other Florida actions to protect Palestinians.”
