U.S. Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., is taking over as chairman of the Future Forum from U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., who is moving into the leadership as a chief deputy whip.
Soto announced his new role on Tuesday while Murphy is staying on as chair emeritus of the caucus.
“Future Forum is an influential group of young Democratic members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives who advocate for issues and opportunities important to millennials and Generation Z,” Soto’s office noted. Founded by U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., the group “ works to inspire the next generation of leaders by engaging young Americans to bridge the divide between them and their government” and has almost 50 members.
Soto said he planned to work closely as President-elect Joe Biden readies to take over the White House next month.
“Young Americans have proven that they have the power to make a difference,” said Soto. “From record voter turnout in the 2020 election to ongoing protests against racial injustice, young people in our country are making their voices heard, and Congress is listening. I’m honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead a group of vibrant young members of Congress who will amplify the needs of millennials and Generation Z. Together, with a Democratic House majority and a Biden-Harris administration, we will work to engage our youth in the democratic process, now and for the future.”
U.S. Reps. Colin Abed, D-Tex., and Haley Stevens, D-Mich., will serve as vice-chairs under Soto.
First elected to Congress in 2016 after serving in both chambers of the Florida Legislature, Soto has been active on technology issues during his two terms on Capitol Hill. He co-chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Technology Task Force and is a co-chair of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus. He is also part of the Democratic leadership as an assistant regional whip.
Representing all of Osceola County and parts of Orange and Polk Counties, Soto sits in what is considered a secure district for Democrats.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
