Ruben Gallego: Arizona’s Most Radical Contender

By Mike Bengert |

Ruben Gallego’s Senate campaign may project the image of an outsider challenging the Biden-Harris administration, but his decade-long tenure in Congress tells a different story. Gallego has consistently supported the Biden agenda, aligning himself with their policies 100% over the past four years.

As he pivots towards the general election, Gallego seeks to distance himself from his record. However, it’s essential to recognize his strong connections to progressive agendas, notably backed by Alex Soros, son of billionaire George Soros.

Gallego’s alignment with the Soros philosophy includes positions that are critical of police presence and lenient towards crime. He has expressed support for movements aimed at defunding the police, abolishing ICE, and eliminating cash bail.

His stance on immigration is equally controversial. Gallego has described the border wall as “stupid” and “useless” while dismissing concerns over the influx of undocumented immigrants. He has disregarded the serious ramifications of drug overdoses and violence linked to illegal immigration, suggesting that such threats are exaggerated.

While he criticizes Republican policies for separating families at the border, he also backs the Biden administration’s handling of unaccompanied minors—over 300,000 of whom remain unaccounted for, potentially vulnerable to exploitation.

Gallego has touted his advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform and claims that his proposals have been stymied by Senate Republicans. Nonetheless, he has opposed measures like the Secure the Border Act and voted in favor of amnesty for undocumented immigrants, further complicating his narrative.

In addition to immigration, Gallego supports extending Social Security and Medicare benefits to illegal immigrants, a move that raises concerns about costs to taxpayers.

Despite years in Congress to tackle these issues, his record reflects a continuous push for policies that have exacerbated existing problems. His recent promises for change raise skepticism, given his history.

On economic matters, Gallego has voted for the Biden administration’s expansive spending plans, contributing to significant inflation and rising costs. Current statistics indicate a 19.2% overall inflation rate, along with substantial increases in gas prices and essential goods. Yet, he claims he will address the cost-of-living crisis as he campaigns for Senate.

Gallego’s advertisements suggest he has opposed his party’s initiatives and has actionable plans to resolve issues he helped create. However, many question whether a former congressman with a consistent voting record in favor of radical Democratic policies can truly shift to a more moderate stance.

The overwhelming sentiment among voters is for change. Supporting officials who have contributed to present difficulties and expecting different outcomes is often viewed as misguided. Ruben Gallego’s positions on economic issues, crime, and immigration raise serious doubts about his capability to effect real change.

Mike Bengert is a husband, father, grandfather, and Scottsdale resident advocating for quality education in SUSD for over 30 years.