OPINION: Ruben Gallego is a champion for Arizona’s veterans—unlike Kari Lake

Self-interested politicians are not what our state needs. We need someone with character, who will stand up for democracy, and who will look forward — not backward.

When I served in the Army JAG Corps, our job was to ensure that justice was upheld in our military. We made certain that our forces operated in alignment with the rule of law.

It is the threat posed to those principles by political extremists like Kari Lake that has compelled me to speak out.

Living a life of public service has been my greatest honor. I am a former US Army Judge Advocate General Officer and Phoenix Police Department Officer. Today, I serve on the Phoenix Union School Board. Throughout it all, I have strived to instill a reverence for our great republic and all that makes it work. In the United States, we embrace the rule of law. We recognize opposing perspectives, and we believe in democracy.

Kari Lake couldn’t care less about those values. She fought — and continues to fight — to overturn the results of the 2022 gubernatorial election.

And despite calling herself “America First,” she praises our adversaries. She’s consistently sided with Vladimir Putin by refusing to support Ukraine, and she’s praised authoritarian leaders who have clamped down on freedom like Viktor Orbán in Hungary.

I won’t buy into her lies. She’s made clear that she has no interest in protecting freedom or American prosperity — she only wants power, and we cannot give that to her.

Make no mistake: if Kari Lake makes it to the Senate, she will impose her extremism on all Arizonans. The right to an abortion will be at risk, and the certification of democratic elections will no longer be a guarantee.

Self-interested politicians are not what our state needs. We need someone with character. Someone who will stand up for democracy and the rule of law, and who will look forward — not backward.

Ruben Gallego is ready to be that leader. He’s a fellow veteran who has dedicated his life to public service.

Ruben’s leadership on the issues facing our veterans has meant so much to me and my peers.
He understands how difficult it can be for us upon our return home. Too often, we find ourselves without proper healthcare, without economic opportunity, or without a place to even lay our heads.

And he’s been there for us. After serving his country, he came home and continued to take care of those who sacrificed the most.

He has worked tirelessly to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs, making sure we can access education, good-paying jobs, and quality healthcare. He was instrumental in helping pass the historic PACT Act, which will finally provide benefits for veterans exposed to toxic burn pits.

After all of the sacrifices these heroes have made, that’s the kind of support they desperately need and deserve.

Arizona needs more leaders like Ruben. We need a leader who will represent all Arizonans and who will respect our rights and freedoms.

We have so much going for us here in Arizona. This is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing regions in the country. We cannot waste time allowing backward politicians like Kari Lake to sow distrust in our democratic elections or strip Americans of their rights. Now is the time to secure our rights and freedoms, and to make it easier for everyday Arizonans to get by.

As a proven public servant, Ruben Gallego will carry on that fight. Whether it be veterans like me, women fighting for their autonomy, or seniors worried about losing their benefits, Ruben will be our champion.

This November, I hope you will join me in supporting Ruben to be Arizona’s next US Senator.