Who Is Running in Florida Congressional District 9th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Darren Soto
(Incumbent)Economy
HighDarren Soto focuses on creating high-paying, high-tech jobs in Central Florida through local funding initiatives and by building a clean energy economy. He emphasizes reducing fossil fuel emissions, stating that failure to address climate change poses a threat to Florida's economy and well-being due to rising sea levels and intensified hurricanes. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act in 2026.
Immigration
HighCongressman Darren Soto supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for pathways to citizenship and improved immigration courts. He co-authored a letter strongly opposing a new ICE detention facility in Central Florida, citing human rights concerns and community destabilization. Soto has also supported legislation to make college more affordable for DREAMers and allow them to practice law in Florida, emphasizing the economic and societal contributions of immigrants.
Healthcare
MediumDarren Soto supports the Affordable Care Act, believing healthcare is a right for all Americans that protects those with pre-existing conditions. He opposes repealing the Act without a suitable replacement, while remaining open to improvements. Soto has co-sponsored legislation to expand Medicare coverage for services such as vision, hearing, and dental care, and to extend SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP benefits. He voted against $210 million in rural healthcare funding for Florida in 2026.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Darren Soto |
|---|---|
| Economy | Darren Soto focuses on creating high-paying, high-tech jobs in Central Florida through local funding initiatives and by building a clean energy economy. He emphasizes reducing fossil fuel emissions, stating that failure to address climate change poses a threat to Florida's economy and well-being due to rising sea levels and intensified hurricanes. He voted against the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act in 2026. High |
| Immigration | Congressman Darren Soto supports comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for pathways to citizenship and improved immigration courts. He co-authored a letter strongly opposing a new ICE detention facility in Central Florida, citing human rights concerns and community destabilization. Soto has also supported legislation to make college more affordable for DREAMers and allow them to practice law in Florida, emphasizing the economic and societal contributions of immigrants. High |
| Healthcare | Darren Soto supports the Affordable Care Act, believing healthcare is a right for all Americans that protects those with pre-existing conditions. He opposes repealing the Act without a suitable replacement, while remaining open to improvements. Soto has co-sponsored legislation to expand Medicare coverage for services such as vision, hearing, and dental care, and to extend SSI, Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP benefits. He voted against $210 million in rural healthcare funding for Florida in 2026. Medium |
| Climate & Energy | Representative Darren Soto supports incentivizing renewable energy like solar, wind, biofuels, and hydropower to combat climate change and protect Florida's environment. He advocates for banning fracking on public lands and offshore drilling near Florida's coast, citing environmental protection for the state's economy and quality of life. Soto was named Champion of the Everglades by Audubon Florida in 2015 and is endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Darren Soto strongly supports abortion rights, evidenced by his cosponsorship of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which aims to codify Roe v. Wade protections and enshrine the national right to abortion into law. He also voted against the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. His legislative efforts extend to the Ensuring Women’s Right to Reproductive Freedom Act, intended to protect interstate travel for reproductive healthcare and advance gender equity. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Research pending more substantial sources. High |
| Gun Policy | Following the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, Representative Darren Soto proposed a five-point gun safety plan. This plan includes universal background checks, banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, creating a red-flag system, and implementing a 'No Fly, No Buy' policy with judicial review. He states his commitment to gun safety reforms while respecting Second Amendment rights. Giffords, a gun safety advocacy organization, has endorsed his candidacy. High |
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