Gallego, Ruben, 1979-

Ruben Marinelarena Gallego (né Ruben Marinelarena, born November 20, 1979) is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he has served as the U.S. representative for Arizona's 7th congressional district since 2015.

Born in Chicago and raised in Evergreen Park, Illinois, he graduated from Evergreen Park Community High School before attending Harvard College, earning an A.B. in international relations there. Gallego enlisted in the Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq in 2005. His desire to help fellow veterans motivated the formerly apolitical Gallego to get involved in politics. After a stint as chief of staff for District 7 City Phoenix City Councilman Michael Nowakowski, he was elected vice chair of the Arizona Democratic Party in 2009. In 2010, he was elected State Representative for Arizona District 16; he was re-elected in 2012 from the 27th district. In 2012, Gallego was elected assistant minority leader of the body. As a state legislator, Gallego became known for his tough stand against extreme legislation pushed by Republicans in the state legislature. He also led the push for Medicaid expansion and to secure in-state tuition for veterans.

On February 27, 2014, Gallego announced his candidacy for Congress in Arizona's 7th congressional district, resigning his state house seat the following month. Easily winning the Democratic primary and general election, he has faced token opposition in his three re-election bids. Gallego has largely focused on U.S. national security in his time in Washington. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has led the response to Russia’s attack on NATO, maintaining the European Deterrence Initiative following President Trump’s efforts to cut the vital defense program. He has led the effort to support front line allies like the Baltic States and protect our forces in Germany and across Europe. He has ensured that U.S. Forces Korea – the front line of our defense against North Korea – remains a credible deterrent force. He has led the response to companies like Huawei and ZTE, criminal state-directed organizations that threaten our national security and our next generation infrastructure. He believes in retaining the United States’ qualitative military edge and in employing U.S. military power only when necessary. Gallego is an Assistant Whip for the Democratic Caucus, First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Vice Chair and Tribal Liaison of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and Vice Chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus.