Rep. Ruben Gallego

Congressman Ruben Gallego is the son of Hispanic immigrants, a veteran, and a community leader. He was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Harvard University with a degree in International Relations. He later joined the Marine Corps, serving in Iraq with the well-known combat unit Lima 3/25. As a Marine, community leader, and elected official in the Arizona House of Representatives, Congressman Gallego has always been motivated by the same thing – a real appreciation of what families in Arizona are going through and a desire to help improve their lives.

Congressman Gallego was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2010, and served until 2014. He represented District 27, which covers much of South Phoenix. He rose quickly in the state legislature, serving as Assistant Minority Leader. Congressman Gallego became known for his tough stand against extreme legislation pushed by Republicans in the state legislature - most recently leading the opposition to the discriminatory SB 1062, resulting in Governor Jan Brewer’s veto. Congressman Gallego’s other main accomplishments as a legislator include, leading the push for Medicaid Expansion and securing in-state tuition for veterans.

Congressman Gallego is focused on tackling issues like income inequality, the cost of higher education, immigration reform and campaign finance reform. These issues are going to require solutions from a fresh generation of leaders, and Congressman Gallego hopes to help lead that movement in Congress.

Congressman Gallego was named one of Phoenix’s 40 leaders under the age of 40 by the Phoenix Business Journal. Congressman Gallego was also named one of Chicanos Por La Causa’s 40 under 40 most influential Hispanic leaders. Additionally, Congressman Gallego has served on Blue Ribbon Commissions for veterans’ issues.

Congressman Gallego currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources Committee.

Congressman Gallego and his wife Kate live in South Mountain.