Democratic Sen.-elect Ruben Gallego recently criticized his own party for their handling of Latino outreach following President-elect Donald Trump's significant gains with the demographic in the 2024 election. Gallego, who has represented Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District since 2015, won the Senate seat by defeating Republican nominee Kari Lake.
In a recent interview, Gallego highlighted the importance of understanding the working-class Latino community, emphasizing that many Democrats may not fully grasp the concerns of this demographic. He pointed out that Democrats often surround themselves with like-minded individuals, potentially leading to a disconnect with working-class Latinos.
Gallego, who comes from a working-class background himself, having been raised by a single mother who was a secretary and serving in the Marines for 11 years, believes he has a unique perspective on the issues facing this community. His mixed heritage, with a Colombian mother and Mexican father, further informs his understanding of Latino concerns.
One of the key issues Gallego highlighted was the economy, stressing that Democrats at the national level may have overlooked the economic worries of working-class Latinos. He also mentioned border security as a significant concern that Democrats failed to fully address.
Gallego attributed his success in the election to his early recognition of these issues and his proactive approach to addressing them. He mentioned that his first campaign commercial focused on the economy and border security in Spanish, resonating with Latino voters in Arizona.
Overall, Gallego's comments shed light on the importance of understanding and engaging with diverse communities within the Democratic Party, particularly the working-class Latino population. His insights serve as a reminder for politicians to listen to the concerns of all constituents and tailor their messaging accordingly.
