Coto was also able to bring nearly half a billion dollars in grant monies and improvement bonds to the East Side Union High School District.

Coto was also responsible for establishing an eminence credential for Native American languages to be taught in California's schools (cosponsored by Assembly member Tom Ammiano).

Coto recently completed a two-year term serving as Chair of the 26 member Latino Legislative Caucus.

In December 2011, Coto announced that he would run for California State Senate to represent District 15, which includes the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, Saratoga, and San Jose.

Coto's campaign focused on improving education to create a competitive workforce, balancing the budget, and solving the issue of income inequality.

The California Fair Political Practices Commission issued a $6,000 fine for exceeding contribution limits and failing to disclose more than $117,000 in expenditures during his State Senate run.