One of the most closely watched congressional races in Central Florida is unfolding in District 9 — a newly redrawn district that now stretches across 5,500 square miles.
Democratic incumbent Rep. Darren Soto is fighting to hold onto his seat in a district redrawn to favor Republicans. His challenger is Dan Green, a military veteran who served as deputy assistant secretary of defense during the first Trump administration.
Because of redistricting this year, U.S. House District 9 was dramatically redrawn. It now includes parts of Orange and Osceola counties in Central Florida, along with parts of the following counties:
- Polk County
- Indian River
- Okeechobee
- Highlands
- Glades
The redistricting has significantly shifted the makeup of constituents in District 9.
[WATCH: News 6 speaks with Florida District 9 candidate Darren Soto]
While meeting with supporters at an Osceola County polling place Tuesday, Soto addressed the new makeup of the district ahead of Election Day, outlining his priorities for both longtime and newly added constituents.
“In addition to working on the Indian River Lagoon restoration and helping out our growers and our cattle ranchers, the message is the same for the whole district: We’re here to lower costs to protect our care and stop corruption,” Soto said.
News 6 sat down with both candidates ahead of Election Day, asking each the same questions.
[WATCH: News 6 speaks with Florida District 9 candidate Dan Green]
Green made his case to voters, saying he believes he is the right choice for voters because he plans to address the rising cost of living by rolling back regulations and government bureaucracy, which he argues drives prices up.
“We need to have lower tariffs. We need greater price transparency as well,” Green said. “To me, it’s about getting government out of the way, letting the free market operate and having an enduring, stable situation in the Middle East.”
District 9 is the only one of five redrawn districts located in Central Florida. News 6 will continue monitoring the race as results come in.