Florida House of Representatives
Darren Soto took which position from 2007 to 2012?
Darren Soto Darren Michael Soto ( born February 25 , 1978 ) is an American attorney and Democratic politician from Orlando , Florida , who is the U.S . Representative for Floridas 9th district . Prior to being elected to Congress , Soto served for four years in the Florida Senate and five in the Florida House of Representatives , representing parts of the Orlando area . Early life and education . Soto was born in the neighborhood of Ringwood , New Jersey , to a Puerto Rican father , O . Lou Soto , and an Italian-American mother , Jean Soto . From 1998 to 2001 , he worked for Prudential Insurance in finance while he attended college . He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in 2000 , a Juris Doctor from George Washington University in 2004 , and opened his law practice the following year . Soto has a bachelors degree in economics , and attended law school at George Washington University . In 2006 , he was named class counsel in the federal class action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee in the U.S . District Court for the Middle District of Florida . Soto is a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando . He served as the Treasurer of the Orange County Democrats and the Vice President of Communications for the Orange County Young Democrats ( YDs ) . He was also the YD Co-Host for their Speak Easy events that provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters . My familys history is the Puerto Rican history in Florida , Soto has said . Florida House of Representatives . In 2006 , Soto ran for the Florida House of Representatives from the 40th district , unsuccessfully challenging incumbent Andy Gardiner . In April 2007 , he emerged victorious from a crowded Democratic primary in a special election to replace John Quinones , who had resigned to run for the Osceola County Commission . In the general election , Soto defeated Tony Suarez , the Republican nominee , by 285 votes . Soto was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2008 and 2010 . During his three terms in the Florida House , Soto supported laws to curb illegal street racing , passed the “John C Curry” Firefighter Death Benefit Act to protect families of fallen firefighters who died in training exercises , and the Bus Driver Notification Act to help school bus safety . Florida Senate . In 2012 , Florida Senate districts were redrawn , and Soto opted not to run for re-election in the House but instead to run for the newly created 14th district , which included predominantly Latino areas of Orange , Osceola , and Polk Counties . He won his partys nomination uncontested and faced Republican Will McBride . Soto defeated McBride with over 70% of the vote . In 2013 , Soto voted for legislation to expedite drivers license access for DREAMers but it was ultimately vetoed by Governor Rick Scott , setting off statewide protests . He unsuccessfully proposed an amendment to require jury votes of 10 jurors rather than a majority of 7 for death penalties . In 2014 , Soto passed legislation answering the Florida Supreme Courts call to give it the authority to admit immigrant lawyers to the Florida Bar . He also advocated legislation giving DREAMers in-state college tuition . He secured the initial state funding to establish a Poinciana Valencia Campus and to initiate the Lake Toho Restoration , which will clean water flowing through the Northern Everglades . In addition , he led the Democratic House and Senate Caucuses in drafting a Congressional Map during the 2014 Special Session on Redistricting . During the 2015 legislative session , Soto was fundamental in securing $11.9M in funding for Valencia Colleges Poinciana campus . Soto also successfully pushed for $20M to restore the Kissimmee River . This earned him the Champion of the Everglades award from the Audubon Society of Florida . Soto also proposed legislation to ban fracking in Florida . He secured $10M in Floridas budget to promote economic growth in Osceola County for a new facility to manufacture high-tech sensors . However , the project was vetoed by Governor Rick Scott . Soto also introduced a bill to boost minimum teacher pay to $50,000 per year . Senator Soto steered funding to his district , including $15M for the UCF Sensors Manufacturing Center , $12M to complete the construction of the Poinciana Valencia College campus , $4M in supplemental school construction money , $750k for the Northern Everglades and Lake Toho initiatives and $150k for a transition house that offers temporary housing for veterans . In 2016 , Soto supported Chloes Law to construct barriers around water bodies adjacent to state roads , the Deaf Floridians ID bill , and the Juvenile Clean Slate bill which automatically seals misdemeanor records for juveniles who reach 21 years of age and do not reoffend as adults . U.S . House of Representatives . Elections . - 2016 Soto won the Democratic nomination to succeed Representative Alan Grayson , who had stepped down to run in the primary for U.S . Senate in Floridas 9th congressional district . Soto earned 36% of the vote in a four-way primary election . The district is Democratic-leaning and contains all of Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk counties . Soto has represented the majority of this district while serving in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate . The Orlando Sentinel endorsed him in his primary race , calling him an effective lawmaker . Soto won the general election for the seat , defeating Republican Wayne Liebnitzky , 57–43% . - 2018 On August 28 , 2018 , Congressman Soto won the Democratic primary election with 66% of the vote , defeating a challenge from his predecessor Alan Grayson . Soto received endorsements from multiple Democratic organizations in his reelection campaign such as the National Organization for Women , Pride Fund to End Gun Violence , Giffords PAC , Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida , National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare , Equality PAC , League of Conservation Voters , Human Rights Campaign , Florida AFL-CIO , Florida Young Democrats , Orlando Professional Fire Fighters International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1365 , Central Florida Police Benevolent Association , Florida LGBTA Democratic Caucus , eMgage PAC , Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC , and Planned Parenthood . Soto also has the backing of Vice President Joe Biden , Congressman John Lewis , Congresswoman Linda Sanchez , Florida State Senator Vic Torres , along with every Florida Democratic Member of Congress . On November 6 , 2018 , Soto went on to win the general election against Republican Wayne Liebnitzky with 58% of the vote . - 2020 Soto ran for reelection to a third term and ran virtually unopposed during the Democratic primary , with only one challenger dropping out in October 2019 . During the general election on November 3 , 2020 , he defeated Bill Olson , his Republican opponent , garnering just over 56% of the vote . Tenure . Soto is the first Congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected from Florida . In his first few weeks , Soto was named by Nancy Pelosi as one of only three freshmen Members to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee . He was also named co-chair of the House Democratic Caucus New Economy Task Force . On April 5 , 2017 , Congressman Soto along with Senator Bill Nelson passed their Hurricane Hunters bill ( HR 1008 ) by amendment to the Weather Research and Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017 . This legislation adds two backup Hurricane Hunter aircraft to the NOAA fleet to increase hurricane monitoring and preparedness . On December 23 , 2017 , Soto passed his second bill the Foreign Spill Protection Act along with co-introducer US Rep . Carlos Curbelo . The bill eliminates a $1 Billion cap on damages for foreign oil drillers , whose oil spills pollute America’s waters , to better protect Florida’s beautiful coasts . Soto introduced a bill to rename a Kissimmee Post Office ( HR 4042 ) at 1415 West Oak St after the Borinqueneers . Recently this bill passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on March 23 , 2018 . The Borinqueneers were a U.S Army segregated unit of Puerto Ricans who fought in WWI , WWII and Korean War with great distinction and valor . In 2014 , they were honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for their brave service to our country . Congressman Soto passed a law to protect billfish , such as marlin , spearfish , and sailfish . H.R . 4528 closes a loophole in the Billfish Conservation Act making it illegal to sell billfish in the continental United States . The law passed the U.S . House on June 25 , 2018 and was signed into law on August 2 , 2018 . Soto negotiated with Brightline ( now Virgin Trains ) to build the link between their train and SunRail , ensuring the systems are connected and saving up to $250 million in taxpayer money . When finished , this connection will give SunRail riders the opportunity to travel as far as Tampa , Miami , Ft . Lauderdale and West Palm Beach vía rail . He is tied for first for most laws passed by a freshman member of the 115th Congress . He also filed the second most bills of any freshman . Following reelection , Congressman Soto secured a spot on the Energy and Commerce Committee , stating “This appointment will give us a greater voice on behalf of our constituents to promote legislation that creates higher paying jobs , pushes for technological advances , resolves our healthcare crisis , and protects our environment while acting on climate change.” On June 24 , 2019 , Soto passed his first law of the 116th Congress , the “Strengthening Mosquito Abatement for Safety and Health ( SMASH ) Act” , which aimed to combat future Zika outbreaks in Florida , Puerto Rico and other areas . According to Soto’s office , the bill “supports and expands programs for mosquito-borne and vector-borne disease , surveillance and control” by extending $100 million in CDC grants to battle mosquitoes through 2023 and ensuring those grants are more focused on battling mosquito-borne diseases , prioritizing areas facing health crises.” On July 25 , 2019 , Congressman Soto passed the Venezuela TPS Act of 2019 out of the US House in dramatic fashion , as the last bill to pass before the August District Work Period . On December 18 , 2019 , Soto voted for both articles of impeachment against President Donald J . Trump . In his second term , Congressman Soto worked with his Central Florida colleagues , Congresswoman Val Demings and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy , to renew federal grants to the Central Florida region including over $30 Million for affordable housing and to prevent homelessness , $3.25 Million to fund local anti-terrorism efforts , and $1.961 Million for zero-emission Lynx Lymmo buses . Soto also assisted in securing federal grants of nearly $30 Million for Hurricane Irma disaster relief to Polk and Osceola Counties , over $3 Million for healthcare clinics in Osceola and Polk Counties , and $250,000 to improve Kissimmee and Winter Haven airports . In the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic , Soto voted in favor of all 4 pandemic relief packages including the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 , Families First Coronavirus Response Act , Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act ( CARES Act ) and Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act to help Central Florida and the whole nation combat the coronavirus crisis . He has helped lead Florida’s delegation in securing additional supplies of Remdesivir from his position on the Energy and Commerce Committee during the crisis . On May 15 , 2020 , Soto voted for the HEROES Act , which passed the U.S . House and provides further pandemic relief . This major legislation included his Save Our Homes Act which helps homeowners save their homes from foreclosure by ending forbearance agreement balloon payments . On October 2 , 2020 , Soto voted for the updated HEROES Act . This compromise legislation amended the original bill , would provide further pandemic relief and passed the U.S . House . At the time of its passage , the US Senate still had failed to pass a new pandemic relief package . On June 26 , 2020 , Soto passed legislation out of the U.S . House designating the Pulse National Memorial in recognition and memory of the 49 angels lost and 53 injured at the Pulse Nightclub Shooting . He introduced this bill along with fellow Central Floridians Congresswomen Val Demings and Stephanie Murphy . Upon its passage , Soto stated “Today , we remind the world that hate will never defeat love , grief can turn into strength and that a place of loss can become a sanctuary of healing . Together , we will continue to open minds and hearts . We will make the Pulse Memorial a national symbol of hope , love and light.” On July 1 , 2020 , Soto voted for the Moving Forward Act , a national infrastructure improvement plan . In describing the importance of this landmark bill , he stated , “As our nation continues to confront the coronavirus crisis , this legislation will create millions of good-paying jobs and equip our nation with the 21st-century infrastructure critical to growing our economy and helping our communities prosper for decades to come . Passage of this bold legislation also means more funding to help complete the I-4 Expansion quickly and safely.” Committee assignments . - United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce - United States House Energy Subcommittee on Communications and Technology - United States House Energy Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce - United States House Energy Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change - Committee on Natural Resources - Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples of the United States Caucus memberships . - Congressional Progressive Caucus - New Democrat Coalition - Congressional Hispanic Caucus - U.S.-Japan Caucus - New Democrat Coalition - Medicare for All Caucus - Problem Solvers Caucus Political positions . Immigration . Soto is a staunch advocate for DREAMers and has worked with fellow members of the Hispanic Caucus to pass the DREAM Act . In June 2018 , Congressman Soto traveled to Homestead , Florida to tour a detention facility with several Democratic Members of Congress where he argued against Trumps zero tolerance policy and the separation of children and families . He has been a vocal advocate in Congress for Alejandra Juarez , the wife of an Iraq combat veteran and mother of two American daughters , who was deported to Mexico recently due to Trumps zero tolerance policy . Zero tolerance literally ripped this family apart , said Rep . Darren Soto The administration is so extreme on immigration that theyre deporting the spouses of military veterans . Environmental policy . Darren is considered the greenest Member of the Florida Congressional Delegation for 2017 . He received a perfect score of 100 for his environmental issues voting record from the National League of Conservation Voters . He introduced the Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2017 ( H.R.3961 ) , which passed unanimously out of committee on January 17 , 2018 . On April 16 , 2018 , this bill passed unanimously out of the U.S . House . Soto helped lead opposition to the Trump Administration proposals to permit oil drilling off Floridas Gulf and Atlantic coasts during the House Committee on Natural Resources meetings . Soto has also supported funding increases for the National Estuary Program the National Wildlife Refuge System program . On June 6 , 2018 , Soto passed his Shark and Billfish Protection Act out of House Natural Resources Committee . Senator Bill Nelson passed the Senate companion bill on October 2 , 2017 . Gun control . Soto received an F rating from the NRA during his first term in Congress and supported numerous gun law reforms . On February 27 , 2019 , he voted for the Universal Background Check Bill . Soto received an A rating from the NRA in 2012 , but his views on the Second Amendment changed after the 2012 Newtown Shooting . In the Florida Senate , he became a reliable vote for gun control , which ultimately led to earning a D rating from the NRA for his service there from 2013 to 2016 . After the 2016 Orlando nightclub shooting , Soto called for a special session to prevent those on the FBIs No Fly List from purchasing firearms . Since 2017 , he has been a reliable vote for gun law reform . After the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018 , he proposed his Gun Safety Action Plan . He listed five steps : universal background checks for 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 , and disallowing anyone on the federal terrorism no-fly list from buying a gun . Soto also said gun control will be one of those litmus test issues in the 2018 midterm elections . Hurricane safety . Working with Senator Bill Nelson , Soto passed his first law in Congress on April 18 , 2017 creating a backup fleet of hurricane hunter aircraft to monitor hurricanes affecting Florida and other nearby areas . Recovery assistance . Soto is working on debt reduction and tax , healthcare , agriculture and small business relief to assist Puerto Rico in its economic recovery . He also co-signed a bipartisan letter requesting FEMA Designation of Individual Assistance for the citizens of Orange , Osceola , Polk , Lake and Seminole counties after Hurricane Irma . In 2018 , he voted to renew recovery funds to Central Florida and Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria . Personal life . Soto’s major hobby is music and has been writing songs and playing in bands since he was in high school . He is a singer , songwriter and guitarist for the local Orlando folk rock band Orange Creek Riders . They have played various live shows , such as Orlando Fringe Festival , Planned Parenthood’s Rock and Roe Concert , Delandapalooza , along with various political events . As part of their “Best Of” series , Orlando Weekly named Orange Creek Riders the “Best Congressional Folk Band” . He also hosts a radio show and podcast called “Rock and Politics” . His show combines current political issues with related music . On April 1 , 2018 , Sotos wife , Amanda Soto , was arrested at Walt Disney World and charged with disorderly intoxication . In a statement , Darren Soto said his wife had been in treatment for depression for years and had recently stopped taking medication in accordance with her treatment plan and under her doctors supervision . He went on to say that she deeply regrets her actions and takes full responsibility for them .