50 Facts About Ruben Gallego

Early Life and Education

Ruben Gallego's journey began in Chicago, Illinois, where he faced numerous challenges that shaped his character and future.

1. Born on November 20, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, Gallego was raised by his single mother, Elisa Gallego, in Evergreen Park, Illinois.
2. His father abandoned the family when Gallego was young, leaving his mother to raise him and his three sisters on her own.
3. Gallego attended Evergreen Park Community High School, graduating in 1998.
4. He earned a spot at Harvard University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations in 2004.
5. During his time at Harvard, Gallego worked multiple jobs to afford school, including cleaning bathrooms and stacking books at the library.
6. He joined the Marine Corps Reserve during his sophomore year to help pay for college.

Military Service

Gallego's time in the Marine Corps had a profound impact on his life and career, shaping his dedication to public service.

7. Gallego enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2002 and served until 2006.
8. He deployed to Iraq in 2005 as a lance corporal with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines.
9. During his deployment, Gallego's unit saw some of the worst fighting of the Iraq War, losing 22 Marines and a Navy Corpsman in eight months.
10. His best friend, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Grant, was killed in action, and Gallego had promised Grant's wife he would watch over him.

Political Beginnings

After his military service, Gallego transitioned into politics, driven by a desire to make a difference.

11. After his military service, Gallego moved to Arizona to join his future wife, Kate Widland, who was working on John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign.
12. He initially worked in marketing and public relations, overseeing production of Ortega salsa commercials.
13. Gallego’s first foray into politics was working on ballot initiatives in Phoenix.
14. He later served as chief of staff for Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski and vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party.

Arizona State House

Gallego's political career took off when he was elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives.

15. In 2010, Gallego was elected to the Arizona State House of Representatives.
16. He served as assistant minority leader from 2012 until he resigned to run for Congress.

Congressional Career

Gallego's commitment to public service continued as he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

17. Gallego was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014, representing Arizona's 7th congressional district.
18. He has been reelected three times, never dropping below 70% of the vote.
19. Gallego has been a vocal advocate for veterans, hardworking families, and seniors.
20. He introduced several bills aimed at supporting these groups, including a bill granting in-state tuition status to veterans residing in Arizona.

Leadership and Advocacy

Gallego's leadership roles and advocacy efforts have made a significant impact on his community and beyond.

21. In Congress, Gallego has held various leadership roles, including serving on the House Natural Resources Committee.
22. He has overseen the House passage of Carcieri fix legislation affirming Tribal Nations’ right to sovereignty.
23. Gallego is considered a progressive politician and has been critical of Senator Kyrsten Sinema for opposing filibuster reform and Democratic legislation.
24. This stance led to him announcing his candidacy for the 2024 United States Senate election in Arizona.

Personal Life

Gallego's personal life has also been marked by significant events and relationships.

25. Gallego married Kate Widland in 2010, but they divorced in 2017.
26. He married Sydney Barron in 2021, and they have a daughter born in July 2023.
27. Sydney is a lobbyist for the National Association of Realtors.

Community Involvement

Gallego has been actively involved in various community initiatives, demonstrating his commitment to social justice.

28. Gallego founded Citizens for Professional Law Enforcement to recall Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
29. Although the recall effort failed, Arpaio was eventually defeated in 2016 and convicted of criminal contempt of court in 2017.

Election History

Gallego's electoral success reflects his strong support from his constituents.

30. Gallego won a five-way Democratic primary in 2014 with 48.9% of the vote.
31. He then won the general election with 74% of the vote.
32. He has been reelected three times, facing only a Green candidate in 2018 and defeating Republican challengers in 2016, 2020, and 2022.

Military Honors and Recognition

Gallego's military service has earned him several honors and recognition.

33. Gallego’s military service earned him several honors, including being a member of the Marine Corps Reserve and serving as a lance corporal in Iraq.
34. His unit was dubbed “Lucky Lima” initially but later faced heavy casualties.

Advocacy for Veterans

Gallego's experiences in the military have fueled his advocacy for veterans' rights and support.

35. Gallego has been a strong advocate for veterans, pushing for policies that support their well-being and ensure they receive the care they deserve.
36. His experience in Iraq has deeply influenced his commitment to veteran affairs.

Legislative Achievements

Gallego's legislative work has focused on addressing critical issues and supporting his constituents.

37. Gallego has introduced several bills aimed at supporting Arizona’s communities, including legislation related to tribal sovereignty and environmental protection.
38. His work on the House Natural Resources Committee has been instrumental in advancing these causes.

Community Engagement

Gallego's efforts to engage with his community have strengthened his relationship with his constituents.

39. Gallego has been actively engaged in community events and initiatives, often using his platform to raise awareness about local issues and promote civic engagement.
40. His efforts have been recognized by various community organizations.

Leadership Style

Gallego's leadership style is characterized by his straightforward and inclusive approach.

41. Known for his straightforward and inclusive leadership style, Gallego has built a reputation as a politician who listens to his constituents and works tirelessly to address their concerns.
42. This approach has earned him respect from both Democrats and Republicans.

Personal Struggles and Growth

Gallego's personal struggles have shaped his resilience and commitment to public service.

43. Despite his success, Gallego has not shied away from discussing his personal struggles.
44. He has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced growing up in poverty and the emotional toll of his experiences in Iraq.

Policy Initiatives

Gallego's policy initiatives reflect his commitment to social justice and improving the lives of his constituents.

45. Gallego has introduced several policy initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues such as immigration reform, healthcare access, and environmental protection.
46. His proposals often reflect his personal experiences and his commitment to social justice.

Future Aspirations

Gallego's future aspirations include continuing to serve Arizona and advocating for progressive policies.

47. As he runs for the U.S. Senate in 2024, Gallego’s future aspirations are clear: to continue serving Arizona and advocating for progressive policies that benefit all its citizens.
48. His commitment to public service and social justice remains unwavering, inspiring many in the process.

Community Recognition

Gallego's dedication to public service has earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

49. Throughout his career, Gallego has received numerous awards and recognitions from community organizations for his dedication to public service and social justice.
50. These accolades reflect his commitment to making a positive impact on Arizona’s communities.

Ruben Gallego: A Life of Service and Dedication

Ruben Gallego's journey from a challenging childhood in Chicago to a respected U.S. Representative showcases his resilience and commitment to public service. His military service in Iraq deeply influenced his political career, driving him to advocate for veterans, hardworking families, and social justice. Gallego's work in the Arizona State House and U.S. Congress highlights his dedication to progressive policies and community engagement. As he runs for the U.S. Senate in 2024, his focus remains on serving Arizona and pushing for meaningful change. Gallego's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have on their community. His efforts continue to inspire many, proving that dedication and hard work can overcome even the toughest obstacles.