ORLANDO, October 16 — U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, a Democrat representing Florida’s 9th Congressional District, has secured the support of twenty-six unions across the district as he seeks re-election on a newly redrawn congressional map. This backing includes unions based in all seven counties within the district, reflecting broad labor support for Soto’s campaign. The endorsement announcement came on the eve of the 2024 election cycle, highlighting the strength of Soto’s ties to Florida’s labor movement.
The unions that have endorsed Soto include a wide range of organizations such as the Amalgamated Transit Union, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the United Auto Workers, and the Florida AFL-CIO. These unions span various industries including transportation, education, construction, and manufacturing.
Soto, who has served in Congress since 2019, has long emphasized his commitment to working families and labor rights. He has been a vocal advocate for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which aims to expand workers’ rights to collective bargaining. Soto has also opposed Republican budget proposals that would have reduced subsidies for workers using the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace, citing concerns about the impact on workers’ benefits.
Union Endorsements Highlight Soto’s Labor Record
Rich Templin, Director of Politics and Public Policy for the Florida AFL-CIO, praised Soto’s consistent support for working families, calling him a “champion” for labor. UNITE HERE, a union representing workers in hospitality, manufacturing, and transportation, also endorsed Soto through a post on its Instagram account, citing his long-standing support for workers’ rights. Soto’s campaign has emphasized his decade-long record of supporting labor, including his time in the Florida House and Senate.
The endorsement of twenty-six unions across the district underscores the significance of labor support in the race and highlights Soto’s role as a key advocate for working families in Florida.
Closely Contested Race Ahead
Soto faces Republican Dan Green in the upcoming election, with the race expected to be closely contested in the newly redrawn district. The endorsement comes as both campaigns prepare for what is likely to be a competitive battle for the congressional seat in a district that has been significantly redrawn since the last election. Strategically, the calculus for both campaigns will now shift to how to leverage labor support in the final weeks before Election Day.
The broader stakes extend beyond this single district, as labor unions nationwide watch how their endorsements play out in key races across the country.
