Darren Michael Soto

Democrat Representative of Florida's 9th district

  • Representative

    Florida, district 9

    January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2025

4

Congresses Served

4

House Terms

January 1, 1978 (46 years old)

Birthday

  • American attorney and politician with a background in law, holding a BA from Rutgers University and a JD from George Washington University.
  • Served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Advocated for laws to curb illegal street racing, passed legislation to benefit families of fallen firefighters, and improved school bus safety during his tenure in the Florida House.
  • Supported legislation for expedited driver’s license access for DREAMers, proposed amendments for jury requirements in death penalty cases, and led efforts in redistricting during his time in the Florida Senate.
  • Secured significant funding for local projects, including Valencia College’s Poinciana campus and the Kissimmee River restoration, and proposed legislation to ban fracking in Florida.
  • First congressman of Puerto Rican descent elected from Florida, actively involved in committees and caucuses including the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, and the House Democratic Caucus New Economy Task Force.
  • Passed legislation to add backup Hurricane Hunter aircraft to the NOAA fleet, eliminate a cap on damages for foreign oil spills, rename a post office after the Borinqueneers, and protect billfish species.
  • Played a key role in securing federal grants for affordable housing, anti-terrorism efforts, zero-emission buses, and Hurricane Irma disaster relief.
  • Supported all four pandemic relief packages during the COVID-19 crisis and introduced legislation to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.
  • Advocated for the designation of the Pulse National Memorial and has a strong record on environmental protection, gun control reform, and immigration policy.
  • Personal interests include music, where he is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist for a folk rock band, and hosts a radio show and podcast on politics and music.
  • His wife, Amanda Soto, had a public incident at Walt Disney World, which was attributed to her discontinuing medication for depression under medical supervision.