Scott Powers
State Sen. Darren Soto has received the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela of Texas for Soto’s run to win the Democratic nomination for Congress in Orlando-based Congressional District 9.
Vela, who represents the far southern tip of Texas, bordering Mexico, cited Soto’s support for the DREAMers program, supporting young, undocumented immigrants.
In a news release issued by the Soto campaign, Vela praised Soto “as a strong record of advocating for immigrant rights and bringing jobs to his district.
“Darren is a fighter who knows how to work with all sides to get things done,” Vela stated in a news release issued by the Soto campaign. “His work allowing DREAMers to pay in-state tuition in Florida colleges and universities, as well as giving DREAMers an opportunity to be admitted to the Florida Bar is impressive, especially with a Republican dominated legislature.”
Soto seeks to replace U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson in CD 9, since Grayson is running for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat rather than for re-election in the Democratic-leaning district. A Democratic primary fight is underway between Soto, Susannah Randolph, Valleri Crabtree, Dr. Dena Minning, and former state Rep. Ricardo Rangel.
The primary election takes place Aug. 30.
