As Donald Trump’s second term progresses, The Democratic Party is beginning to reorganize its strategy with an emphasis on the Latino electorate. In this scenario the Senator from Arizona Ruben Gallego emerges as one of the leaders called to build bridges with Latin America’s migrant community, including outside of their state. with recent performances in Florida.
Ruben Gallegocurrent senator from the state of Arizona, does not represent Florida institutionally. However, his active participation in local campaigns in the Sunshine State positioned him as a relevant number for Democrats looking to regain ground in regions with high concentrations of Hispanic voters.
His presence in Miami neighborhoods and his support of local candidates are part of a broader strategy being pursued Reconnect with communities the blue party believes are important.
“Rubén Gallego will be our secret weapon, not so secretsaid María Cardona, a veteran Democratic activist and member of the Democratic National Committee AP News.
The senator was one of those who made the most trips to states with a high Latino presence in 2025. These goals include Floridawhich has been considered consolidated in recent election cycles a complex area for Democrats.
In Miami, he was active in campaign activities in majority-Hispanic neighborhoods. where he accompanied his party’s candidates in local elections. In this sense, Gallego supported the candidacy of Eileen Higgins in Miamiwho was victorious and will be the first Democrat to take office in nearly three decades.
Chuck Rocha, who mobilized Latinos during Gallego’s 2024 run, highlighted the congressman’s figure: “He risked his life for his country, grew up in an immigrant home without resources and now he is a US Senator. This is the type of person you want by your side.“.
Rubén Gallego was born on November 20, 1979 in Chicago to an immigrant family with Colombian and Mexican roots.and was raised by a single mother. According to his website, he experienced financial hardship throughout his childhood and adolescence and worked at various jobs to help support his home.
He was the first in his family to access higher education and graduate Harvard University. He later joined the US Marine Corps He was deployed to Iraq in 2005 as part of an infantry unit.
After returning from his military service, he began his political career in Arizona. In 2010, he was elected to the state House of Representatives.where he promoted initiatives related to public health and veterans’ benefits. In 2014 he made it to the National Congresswhere it remained for a decade before coming into being elected senator in November 2024.
During his time in the House of Representatives, Gallego held significant positions including the highest-ranking Latino lawmaker on the Armed Services Committee. This experience allowed him to build a profile linked to both national security issues and social and economic issues.
Since entering the Senate in January 2025, he has been a member of important committees such as:
In parallel, the party began to use it as Reference in campaigns outside of Arizonaparticularly in districts where the Latino vote can lead to close results.
“We go to places with a large Latino population,” Gallego explained in an interview with AP News. “Obviously they oriented too much towards Trump last time, and We want to talk to Democrats, Hispanics and candidates about this how to win back the support of this population“, he remarked.
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