Gallego, Ruben

Ruben Gallego represents Arizona in the U.S. Senate as a Democrat, having been elected in 2024. He made history as the first Latino elected to represent Arizona in the Senate and one of the first two Colombian-American senators. As ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources' Energy Subcommittee, Gallego leads the Democratic opposition on energy policy, climate, and related matters. The Energy Committee oversees the nation's energy production, conservation, and environmental impacts—giving the ranking member significant influence over which hearings occur, what legislation receives attention, and how Democrats frame energy debates.

Gallego's background uniquely positions him for this role. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, including a deployment to Iraq where he witnessed the loss of fellow marines. After his military service, he worked in Arizona politics and public relations before entering the state legislature in 2011, where he championed veterans' benefits and education access. His early legislative work focused on in-state tuition for veterans and opposing restrictive immigration policies. This combination of military experience, constituent advocacy, and legislative tenure gives him credibility on issues affecting energy workers, rural communities, and infrastructure.

In the Senate, Gallego serves on multiple committees addressing infrastructure, financial regulation, homeland security, and veterans' affairs. His sponsored legislation reflects these priorities, including the Water Security and Drought Resilience Act—particularly relevant to Arizona's water challenges—and bills addressing veterans' benefits and federal workforce issues. As ranking member on the Energy Subcommittee, he shapes Democratic strategy on energy transition, grid modernization, and environmental protection, positioning him as a key voice in national energy debates.