Idaho's First Congressional District candidate gains tribal support
Democratic nominee Rudy Soto.
By DANA HERNANDEZ
Sho-Ban News
NAMPA — Shoshone-Bannock tribal member, Rudy Soto is running as a Democratic Nominee for the seat of Idaho’s First Congressional District. The incumbent of the First District seat is Republican, Russ Fulcher. This year’s voting day is scheduled to coincide with the presidential election, and so far Soto has gained the endorsement of all Idaho Tribes.
Soto said his campaign is about the everyday Idahoans, Americans, and Indigenous peoples from all walks of life who struggle to make ends meet and are seeking a fair shot at the American dream. He said his priorities are the accessibility of affordable and quality healthcare, education and career pathways programs, as well as strengthening the economy and expanding rural broadband.
Soto said his mother, Rebecca Harland whose original name was Isabelle Edmo was from Fort Hall and later adopted out.
“My mother’s sister is Sharon Wheeler. So, we’re part of the Edmo and Wheeler family,” said Soto.
He explained his decision to run for Congress was due to a couple of reasons, one was spending a decade working with the Federal Government. Soto served in the military and worked in and around Capitol Hill since interning there in 2010. “I have a strong interest in working with the Federal Government relationship with the Tribes,” said Soto.
Another reason for running was specifically for his passion for accessible healthcare. Back in 2014, Soto’s father was laid off from Simplot due to downsizing and automation, and later became sick. A loss of employment is a loss of healthcare, and this eventually led to his passing. “This happened after finding out he had cancer, and was a hard experience for family and gave me a sense and purpose,” said Soto.
Healthcare access is something all too familiar for Soto, one of his past jobs was getting people enrolled in healthcare when he worked for American Indian Healthcare for Urban Indian Health. “The person I am running against, Russ Fulcher, led the fight against expanding Medicaid, but Idaho voted with over 60% to support Medicaid expansion, and that’s a big part of why I came back to run,” says Soto.
Soto said since the pandemic, campaigning has become more difficult because places he normally would be attending, are just not happening. His campaign is now doing limited face-to-face outreach, where he will show up at parks where people can come and pick up signs and campaign materials.
For the last stretch of his campaign, his team has acquired a campaign RV that will be a mobile headquarters to travel throughout the western side of Idaho where they can be safe and remain socially distanced at events in townhalls and public parks. Soto said, “People can come and hear me speak about my campaign, ask me questions, and get registered to vote.”
So far, Soto has learned that Idahoans are concerned with upholding the second amendment and protecting the environment. “People ask me whether I respect guns and due to my service in the military and my upbringing here, we have to uphold the second amendment, whether it be for hunting, personal protection, and recreational uses for guns. They are all very important and sacred to people here. I also won’t waiver on my stance of protecting the environment, the public lands and pollution,” said Soto.
Soto said he would like to send thanks to the Tribal Council, Public Affairs, and his family here. He also said, “I want to encourage people to follow me on social media. My Facebook page is “Rudy for Congress”, and my Twitter and Instagram pages are “Rudy 4 Congress.”
