Senator Ruben Gallego just finished a two-day strategic trip to Iowa, which was his first major political appearance since he was elected to the Senate in 2024. Appearances at the Iowa State Fair were part of the tour, which ended with a town hall meeting in Davenport that drew around 180 Democrats.
“If we’re the party that gives them hope, gives them an opportunity, and they know that we’re the ones who can fight for them, they’ll come out for us,” Ruben Gallego stated at the town hall meeting.
He emphasized that his Iowa visit focused on supporting Democratic candidates for the 2026 midterm elections rather than launching a potential 2028 presidential campaign.
“People are just wanting to latch on to something … for some kind of hope for 2028, but right now what we need to focus on is 2026,” Gallego said. “That’s where our real hope is.”
The senator strongly criticized recent federal legislation supported by Iowa's Republican congressional delegation, particularly what he referred to as the administration's major tax bill.
His main concerns included:
- Cut $911 billion from Medicaid over 10 years
- Reduce food assistance programs
- Leave 10 million more Americans without insurance by 2034
- Add $3.4 trillion to the national debt
Gallego argued that these changes will disproportionately harm Americans who need healthcare and food assistance the most.
When asked about redistricting attempts, the senator said that they are a reflection of Republican worries about the support for their platform. He presented redistricting as an effort by politicians to choose who represents them instead of having the people choose their representatives.
Then asked about U.S. aid to Israel, Gallego said his position has been changing as the situation evolves. He thinks the U.S. should:
- Review how it gives aid to Israel
- Put conditions on weapons aid
- Make sure humanitarian aid gets to civilians in Gaza
As a veteran, he said leaders have a responsibility to protect civilians during wars, and he believes Israel's current leadership is failing at that.
Gallego then compared Iowa to Arizona, saying both states used to be Republican strongholds. Stating Democrats shouldn't give up on challenging states because it makes it harder to win nationally.
Finally being questioned about urging the current government to release information regarding Jeffrey Epstein's case publicly during the town hall. While expressing support for ongoing transparency efforts, he highlighted that the victims should be the main priority.
Although Iowa GOP representatives, such as Jade Cichy, criticized Gallego's visit, characterizing his presence as inappropriate and suggesting he should focus on his home state constituents rather than engaging in what they viewed as early presidential campaign activities.
"Foul-mouthed radical Ruben Gallego is not Iowa nice. He openly mocks our caucuses and our farmers — and he needs to get out of our state," Jade Cichy stated.
"Instead of trying to launch a presidential campaign, Ruben should be in Arizona — a state that voted for President Trump's agenda — explaining why he voted against the largest tax cut in American history, including no tax on tips and overtime."
Although it is unclear if Gallego's trip to Iowa will help the state leave his past statements behind and focus on gaining support for the 2026 congressional elections, his speech has drawn attention from both parties.
