Family
Rep. Soto is of both Puerto Rican and Italian descent. Darren's father, Louis Soto, was born in Manati, Puerto Rico and is currently the Treasurer for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Metro Orlando. Darren's mother, Jean Soto, was born in Paterson, New Jersey from second generation Italian-Americans.

Education
Rep. Soto has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, and attended Law School at George Washington University.

Professional Practice
Rep. Soto is a commercial and civil rights attorney proudly practicing law in Central Florida. He is ardent defender of civil rights and is committed to rendering legal services pro bono to the community. In 2006, he was named class counsel in the federal class action brought on behalf of Hispanic voters against the City of Kissimmee in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Rep. Soto would like to continue to defend the rights and interests of our citizens in Tallahassee.

Other Community Involvement
Rep. Soto is also a former member of the Civil Service Board for the City of Orlando, and he is currently the Treasurer of the Orange County Democrats and the Vice President of Communications for the Orange County Young Democrats (YD's). He is also the YD Co-Host for their Speak Easy events that provide a monthly forum for local and state leaders to speak to young voters.

Why Is Representative Soto Running for Re-Election?
Rep. Soto is running for reelection in District 49 in order to continue his efforts to refocus government on the LONG-TERM INTERESTS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. As a commercial and civil rights attorney, he believes we must STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE INTERESTS OF BUSINESS AND OF THE INDIVIDUAL in order to preserve the Great State of Florida for future generations. Rep. Soto represents small and mid-size businesses in Central Florida everyday and understands that our great State must foster a competitive and attractive business environment in order for our economy to flourish.

However, he also believes that our State must be fair to consumers and workers and that every voice no matter how big or small must be given the opportunity to be heard. Rep. Soto specifically avoids accepting excessive donations from businesses, lobbyist and trade organizations or other special interests so that, if reelected, he will have the ability to govern impartially on behalf of the citizens of District 49.