KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – Former Vice President Joe Biden, a possible presidential candidate in 2020, is backing Darren Soto in his re-election bid for Congress over the firebrand former Congressman Alan Grayson, who is seeking his old congressional seat.
Here’s what Biden had to say in a statement released by Soto’s campaign Tuesday:
“Darren Soto is a highly effective legislator who keeps his head down, works hard, and delivers for his constituents. Central Floridians couldn’t have a better person representing them in Congress.
“Darren helped President Obama and I get elected twice and now he is working to protect the progress we made and help build upon it. We need Darren in Congress to keep our kids safe from guns; defend Social Security, Medicare, and Obamacare; protect our environment; and fight for our values.
“Darren grew up in a neighborhood like I did, where a job was about a lot more than a paycheck. He knows that to have a strong economy we must strengthen and grow the middle class and that is why I am a proud to support Darren Soto, a proven progressive, for re-election.”
Congressman Soto said this about the endorsement: “I am grateful not just for his endorsement, but for why he endorsed–because we here in Central Florida are carrying the torch he and President Obama held so high in the White House. We’re fighting for progressive values.”
Soto and Grayson will face off in the August 28 Democratic primary. The winner will take on the Republican nominee in the November 6 general election.