Edgar Soto is a vice president at Pima Community College's Desert Vista campus, where he has worked for more than 20 years, and a Marine Corps veteran who grew up in Tucson. He holds degrees from the University of New Mexico and Northern Arizona University. His only prior campaign for public office came in 2024, when he finished second of four candidates in the Democratic primary for Pima County supervisor in District 3, well behind Jennifer Allen.
Candidate resources
Self-reported endorsements
- Vote Vets, Mark Kelly, Chris Mayes, Adrian Fontes, Sierra Club, Carpenters Union,
Candidate Questionnaire
Top Issues
I believe that Arizona’s schools need to be fixed. We rank near the bottom nationally for public education while our voucher program continues to divert critical funding away from our public schools. Every child in Arizona deserves access to high-quality, free education regardless of their ZIP code or income. I will fight to fully fund our public schools, support teachers and ensure that the next generation is prepared to enter the workforce. By expanding career and technical education programs, we can prepare students for successful careers in skilled trades. Families across Arizona are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs, groceries, utilities, and child care. As the father of a son trying to buy his first home, I have seen this struggle firsthand, as rising costs outpace economic growth and families are forced to tighten their belts. As a State Senator, I will work across party lines to pursue practical solutions that increase housing supply, reduce unnecessary costs on working families, and make Arizona a place where everyday people can afford to live, work, and raise a family. As a Marine Corps Veteran, I will always fight for Arizona's most vulnerable populations, including my fellow service members and veterans. LD-17 is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, and we have a duty to ensure our veterans have the support and access to the services they need to thrive. I will fight to ensure that the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services remains fully funded and is protected against harmful Republican Tax cuts. I will also work to expand Veteran programs focused on mental health care, suicide prevention, and other vital services because those who served our country should never have to fight for the care and support they've earned.
Professional Experience
- Campus Vice President, Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus Executive administrator overseeing two Pima Community College campuses Administrator supporting Pima Community College’s partnership with Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College Dean of Arts and Humanities, Pima Community College Dean of Fitness and Wellness, Pima Community College Executive Director of Athletics, Pima Community College Head Baseball Coach, Pima Community College Middle school teacher College student-success instructor Chair, Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority Board Chair, Lapan College and Career Club Aspen Institute Rising Presidents Fellow Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy Fellow United States Marine Corps reservist, serving from 1994 to 2001 More than 30 years of experience in education, workforce development, coaching, administration, and community leadership
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Sociology — University of New Mexico Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education Program — University of Arizona Master of Education in Multicultural Education — Northern Arizona University Aspen Institute Rising Presidents Fellowship Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy Fellowship Graduate of Tucson High School, Class of 1987
Political Offices
- I ran for Pima County Supervisor District 3 and lost in the primary
Political Organizations
- Southern AZ Sports Tourism and Film Authority