Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego has emerged as Arizona’s first Latino senator after defeating Republican Kari Lake in a closely contested race. Gallego’s victory marks the fourth consecutive Senate win for Democrats in Arizona, a state that has shifted towards the middle in recent years. His win comes as former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema retired after one term, leaving a vacancy that Gallego will fill. Despite Republican control in the past, Arizona has shown signs of Democratic resurgence, with Joe Biden narrowly carrying the state in 2020.
Gallego attributed his victory to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, having grown up in poverty with aspirations of attending college. He emphasized the importance of his immigrant background and being a product of the opportunities afforded by the United States. Gallego strategically positioned himself as a moderate during the campaign, distancing himself from his earlier progressive roots to appeal to a broader audience. He garnered support from diverse groups, including Arizona police unions and voters across party lines.
In contrast, Lake faced challenges in softening her political image, despite efforts to shift away from her previous MAGA-aligned campaign for governor. Gallego’s superior fundraising and party support allowed him to outpace Lake in financial resources, giving him a significant advantage. Gallego also leveraged his identity as a Marine veteran and son of Colombian and Mexican immigrants, creating coalitions such as “Veterans for Gallego” and “Juntos Con Gallego.” His campaign focused on issues such as border security, immigration reform, and mental health services for veterans.
Throughout the campaign, Lake tried to tie Gallego to the Biden administration, particularly on issues like border security, hoping to leverage support among Republican voters. She employed derogatory nicknames and personal attacks against Gallego, aiming to paint him in a negative light. However, Gallego remained focused on engaging with all Arizonans, including those across the political spectrum. He emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and building trust with voters, regardless of their party affiliation.
In his post-election remarks, Gallego highlighted the significance of connecting with voters on a personal level and treating them as fellow Americans. Despite the state’s Republican majority in voter registrations, Gallego stressed the importance of earning support from all Arizonans. By engaging in respectful conversations and addressing a wide range of issues, Gallego aimed to bridge political divides and create a sense of unity. His victory symbolizes a shift towards inclusivity and representation in Arizona’s political landscape, as he prepares to take on the responsibilities of a new role as senator.
