Ruben Gallego

Gallego was born on November 20, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, to Mexican immigrant parents. He grew up in a working-class neighborhood and attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in International Studies. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corps and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a combat veteran.

After his service in the military, Gallego returned to Arizona and became involved in politics. He worked as the Arizona State Director for Mi Familia Vota, a national civic engagement organization that promotes social justice and encourages Latinos to vote. He also served as a member of the Arizona State Legislature, where he represented the 27th District from 2011 to 2014.

In 2014, Gallego decided to run for Congress and won the Democratic primary for the 7th Congressional District in a crowded field. He faced Republican candidate Joe Cobb in the general election and won with 54 percent of the vote, becoming the first Latino to represent the district in Congress.

As a congressman, Gallego has focused on a variety of issues important to his constituents, including education, healthcare, and immigration reform. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Natural Resources Committee, and the Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples of the United States.

Gallego is a strong advocate for veterans and has worked to improve their access to healthcare and job opportunities. He has also pushed for increased funding for Arizona’s public schools and for policies that reduce student debt and make college more affordable.

On immigration, Gallego has been a vocal opponent of President Donald Trump’s policies, including his efforts to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and his attempts to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He has called for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and strengthens border security through smarter technology and better cooperation with Mexico.

Gallego is also committed to protecting the environment and supporting renewable energy sources. He has introduced legislation to promote the development of solar power and wind energy, and he has worked to protect public lands in Arizona from commercial development and pollution.

In addition to his work in Congress, Gallego is a strong supporter of the arts and has worked to promote cultural and creative programs in his district. He also founded the Gallego Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports educational and cultural initiatives in Arizona.

In recognition of his service to his country and his community, Gallego has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors. He was named one of the top 100 most influential Latinos in the United States by Latino Leaders magazine and has been recognized for his work on veterans’ issues by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Overall, Ruben Gallego is a dedicated public servant who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of his constituents and in the future of his state and his country. His energy, passion, and leadership make him a rising star in the Democratic Party and a strong advocate for progressive values and policies.