Democrat Darren Soto is running for his sixth term representing the Ninth Congressional District. He spoke to Central Florida Public Media’s Elections Reporter, Sam Stockbridge, about what he’s heard on the campaign trail, and how this new map has changed his relationship to this district. We reached out to Dan Green, the Republican nominee vying for the seat, numerous times via phone, email and at campaign events requesting an interview. We did not hear back.
Author Archives: Sam Stockbridge | Central Florida Public Media
Sam Stockbridge is an award-winning reporter covering elections and investigations for Central Florida Public Media. He previously covered the Texas Legislature in Austin and covered local and state government in Ketchikan, Alaska. When he isn't working, you can find him running, birding or finding new art exhibits.
Posted inFlorida Election Coverage
Under a new map, Kissimmee and new bedfellows reflect on representation
Of all the voters I spoke to on this road trip, few were familiar with their current representative or with Darren Soto, whether inside the former district or not. But the Perry clan, and many voters in Okeechobee County, are familiar with Ben Butler, a fifth-generation farmer in Okeechobee who failed to win in the Republican primary.
Posted inFlorida Election Coverage
Gerrymandering came for Kissimmee. So we hit the road to talk to voters
In April, Florida Republicans redrew the state’s ninth congressional district to give their party an edge for a seat that’s been held by a Democrat since 2013. Before the district was redrawn, it encompassed all of Osceola County, including a thriving Hispanic and especially Puerto Rican community, plus parts of Orange and Polk counties. To tilt the political playing field, lawmakers roughly tripled the district in size while keeping the same total number of voters. Now, it runs about 120 miles long and 70 miles wide, covering an area the size of Connecticut.