A different kind of Democrat

Soto seeks First Congressional District seat

Rudy Soto, a candidate for Idaho’s First Congressional District seat, says he is a different kind of Democrat.

A U.S. Army veteran, member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, son of a Mexican immigrant, and first-generation college graduate, Soto believes everyone deserves a chance at achieving the American dream.

After watching his father lose his job, then pass away only months later from cancer after he was priced out of health insurance plans, Soto decided to run for office. Now, a major focus of Soto’s campaign is his fight for providing quality and affordable health care for all.

“We have 80,000-plus people that have gotten on Medicaid expansion since 2018,” Soto said. “We have a lot of people who are now unemployed and who are at risk of losing their health insurance in the midst of the pandemic.”

During his 9½ years in the National Guard, Soto was deployed to the U.S.-Mexican border, witnessing immigration challenges firsthand. He additionally served as a military police officer in the nation’s capital, assisting with security for President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, D.C.

With his diverse life story and ability to overcome challenges, Soto believes he would bring a unique perspective to the House of Representatives.

“I identify myself as a different kind of Democrat, by virtue of my background and my life experiences,” Soto said. “There aren’t a lot of people that bring those to the table that are serving in Congress, I think that my focus on the kitchen table issues will resonate with people.”

Soto continued his public service as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., serving as the legislative director for the National Indian Gaming Association, a congressional fellow, a policy analyst for the National Council of Urban Indian Health, as well as a legislative assistant. Throughout his time at the U.S. Capitol, Soto had the opportunity to handle a variety of interests from education, agriculture, the environment, energy, transportation, and tribal affairs, something he wishes to leverage into the congressional position.

After living out-of-state, Soto is ready to serve Idaho in the U.S. House of Representatives. Soto’s running points range from affordable health care to expanding rural broadband developments in the first congressional district, increasing public transportation, improving public education, and creating a better quality of life for Idahoans.

Born and raised in Nampa, Soto, 34, received his Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in leadership from Portland State University. He is currently traveling through North Idaho talking to constituents in CDA, Sandpoint and Moscow.

“Idahoans should vote for me because I reflect their values and I will lead them to a better present and future where all Idahoans have a fair shot at the American dream,” Soto said. “I think Idahoans deserve better.”

Info: https://rudysoto.us/en-rudy