On October 26, 1969, P. David Soares was born in Brava, Cape Verde, an island off the coast of West Africa. He is the youngest of five children born to Lucas and Lidia Soares. When David was six years old, his family moved to the United States and settled in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where his father found a vocation as a carpenter, and his mother worked at the local mill.

At an early age, David's parents instilled in him the value of family, education, hard work, and active participation within a strong community. Although David grew up in a rough neighborhood, loving friends and a strong community surrounded him. Neighbors kept an eye on one another's children and were quick to lend a hand. This upbringing encouraged David to believe in the goodness and potential of all people if given the proper guidance. His parents' emphasis on education provided a solid motivation for David's future goals in life.

David worked his way through Cornell University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. After Cornell, David attended Albany Law School and received his law degree in 1999. As he had at Cornell University, David worked his way through Albany Law School. He interned and worked for the Albany County Airport Authority and also served as an intern at the District Attorney's Office, where he eventually became an Assistant District Attorney.

David is the proud father of two young children. David remains active in his community as a mentor in Legal Lives a civic education class for children sponsored by the District Attorney’s Office, and as a board member of on the Boys and Girls Club. As an Assistant District Attorney in Albany County, David was Albany's first community prosecutor. He established a Community Accountability Board, which successfully involved community members in turning youth away from crime and drugs.

David was re-elected in November 2008 as the Albany County District Attorney.