New London – Democrat Chris Soto, who is challenging incumbent Democrat Ernest Hewett for a seat representing the 39th Assembly District, has raised enough funds to qualify for $28,150 from the Connecticut Citizens’ Election Program.

Soto, according to his “Team Soto” campaign, raised $5,265 from 199 individual contributions, with 167 from New London. Soto is eligible for the $28,150 under the “party dominant” district rules of the Citizens' Election Program, because the percentage of active registered Democrats in New London exceeds the percentage of active registered Republicans by at least 20 percent.

“I want to thank every single person who donated,” Soto said in a statement. “They have sent a loud message that legitimizes this campaign. It’s gotten to the point where we have to turn money away because people are so excited to do their part. I am just grateful that so many people believe in this campaign; they believe in this movement.”

Soto, a U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and director of the local nonprofit Higher Edge, said he plans to train more than 100 new volunteers in the coming weeks.

“With fundraising out of the way, we can now focus on empowering people to get involved and reaching out to hear from New London voters,” Soto said.

For more information about the campaign visit http://www.soto2016.com/