Soto holds narrow edge over Green in Florida's 9th District
The AP declared the race too close to call after Soto led by 1,477 votes with 99% of returns in.
By Amit Chukwu ·
Darren Soto maintained a slight lead over Dan Green in Florida's 9th Congressional District as polls closed Tuesday.
The Associated Press labeled the contest too close to call on election night. Soto, the incumbent Democrat, held a 0.6% advantage with 99% of votes counted. That margin amounted to 1,477 votes.
Republicans redrew the district boundaries this spring to favor their party. The new map removed Osceola County and south Orange County, areas with majority Hispanic populations. The revised district covers seven counties and is three times larger than the previous version. Soto's own estimates indicate Republicans outnumber Democrats in the area by approximately 6%.
Soto stated at a watch party in Kissimmee that the results challenged the new map. He noted that voters in Central Florida and coastal regions decided the outcome rather than state or national leadership. Soto described the campaign as difficult, citing a focus on lowering costs, stopping corruption, and protecting health care.
Under Florida law, an automatic recount begins if the final margin falls below 0.5%. Election officials have five days to complete such a recount unless a candidate concedes first. Soto joins other Florida incumbent Democrats who outperformed expectations in this general election.
Source: Central Florida Public Media
