Ruben Gallego said he is considering a run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, pointing to the party’s need to regain lost ground with Latino voters.
In an interview, Gallego said potential candidates who performed well in competitive states in 2024 have a responsibility to evaluate a national bid. He noted that any Democrat hoping to win in 2028 will need to secure at least 62% of the Latino vote, a benchmark he described as essential for victory.
Gallego, a first-term senator elected in Arizona despite Donald Trump carrying the state, said family considerations will play a major role in his decision. He emphasized the personal demands of a presidential campaign, particularly with young children at home.
The senator also suggested he would step aside if another candidate is better positioned to win, framing a potential run as an extension of public service rather than personal ambition.
Highlighting Democratic setbacks, Gallego pointed to declining Latino support in recent elections. According to exit polling, Democrats saw a drop in Latino backing in 2024 compared to 2020, a shift he argued contributed to the party’s struggles.
On policy, Gallego broke with some members of his party by rejecting calls to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, instead advocating for reforms while maintaining enforcement capabilities. He said many working-class Latino voters support removing dangerous individuals from the country but want safeguards against abuse.
Gallego’s comments place him among a growing list of Democrats beginning to position themselves for a potential 2028 presidential contest, as the party looks to recalibrate following recent electoral challenges.
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