Early Life and Education of Ruben Gallego: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Ruben Gallego. From birth to education, explore key events.

Ruben Gallego is an American politician and Marine Corps veteran currently serving as the junior United States Senator from Arizona since 2025. As a member of the Democratic Party, Gallego previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Arizona from 2015 to 2025. Prior to his federal service, he was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives from 2011 to 2014. His background includes military service and a progression through state and federal political offices.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

November 20, 1979: Ruben Gallego's Birth

On November 20, 1979, Rubén Marinelarena Gallego was born. He is an American politician and Marine Corps veteran.

2004: Graduation from Harvard

In 2004, Gallego graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor's degree in International Relations.

January 2006: End of Deployment

Between January 2005 and January 2006, Gallego's unit experienced significant losses during combat operations in Iraq.

August 7, 2008: Changed Name to Honor Mother

On August 7, 2008, Gallego changed his name from Ruben Marinelarena to Ruben Marinelarena Gallego to honor his mother, Elisa Gallego.

2018: Rallied Alongside Bernie Sanders

In 2018, Gallego rallied alongside Bernie Sanders.

May 2022: Criticized Ted Cruz on Twitter

In May 2022, after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Gallego criticized Senator Ted Cruz on Twitter for his comments on gun control.

2022: Called Himself a Progressive

In 2022, Gallego called himself "a true progressive voice in Congress".

2022: Opposed Supreme Court Ruling

In 2022, Gallego opposed the Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling.

2024: Shift to Moderate Tone

In 2024, Gallego sought to strike a more moderate tone in his campaign to appeal to swing voters, moving away from his previously embraced progressive background.

2024: Implemented Abortion Rights

In 2024, Gallego supported enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution of Arizona, which was implemented through 2024 Arizona Proposition 139.

October 2025: Response to Vance's Comments

During the government shutdown of October 2025, Gallego responded to Vice President JD Vance's comments regarding emergency care for "illegal aliens", raising concerns about the practical implications of denying care to those who couldn't provide identification.