Scott Powers
Democratic state Sen. Darren Soto has received another congressional endorsement in his bid to be elected in Florida’s 9th Congressional District, this time from U.S. Rep. Juan Vargas of California.
Vargas, the son of Mexican immigrants who grew up on a California chicken ranch, said he sees in Soto someone who understand immigrant families.
“Darren Soto has already proven that he has what it takes to fight for justice for immigrant families. He stood up against Republican attempts to bring the xenophobic, Arizona-style immigration law to Florida which would have allowed for racial profiling. Darren fought for in-state tuition for Dreamers and to allow them to be admitted to The Florida Bar,” Vargas stated in a news release issued by Soto’s campaign. “I am eager to have Darren stand with me in Congress to fight for commonsense immigration reform.”
Soto faces Susannah Randolph, Dena Grayson and Valleri Crabtree in a Democratic primary contest on Aug. 30. The winner would have a shot of succeeding Grayson’s husband, Democratic U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson of Orlando. The Republican primary candidates include Wayne Liebnitzky and Wanda Rentas.
“Congressman Vargas is an exemplar of why we must fix our broken immigration system. He and his family have contributed to our country to make it better for everyone. I’m proud to have his support,” Soto stated. “I look forward to working with Juan in Congress where we’ll focus on keeping families together rather than tearing them apart.”
