Ruben Gallego Elected Arizona's First Latino Senator

Ruben Gallego has made history by becoming Arizona's first Latino U.S. senator, defeating Republican Kari Lake in a closely contested election. Despite Arizona going red for President-elect Donald Trump, Gallego's victory reflects a continuing trend of Democratic successes in the state since Trump's 2016 election. Gallego, a five-term House member and Iraq War veteran, emphasized his commitment to represent all Arizonans, including those who did not support him. His win leaves the Republican Party with 53 seats in the Senate, while the Democrats hold 47. Gallego campaigned actively among Arizona's indigenous tribes, addressing concerns over environmental issues and promising to advocate for their rights in Washington. The election results indicate a potential shift in voter behavior in Arizona, as Gallego outperformed Kamala Harris, who lost the state in a recent election.