U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, visited the University of Arizona campus on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to speak with young Democrats at the Student Union Memorial Center.
The visit gave students a chance to ask questions and hear his perspective on issues affecting young Arizonans, including the cost of education, housing affordability and immigration policy.
Gallego is serving his first term in the U.S. Senate after years representing Phoenix in the House. A Marine Corps veteran, he has become one of Arizona’s most visible progressive Democrats and is often mentioned as a rising figure in state politics.
According to Gallego, economic pressures are affecting young people. “Middle-class families face challenges affording housing, transportation and higher education,” Gallego said. “And student loans remain a major concern.”
“It was really important to hear directly from someone who represents us,” Adelina Grijalva-Gomez, a UA College Democrats member, said. “He was listening to our concerns and answering our questions. It makes politics feel real, and it shows that young people can have a voice.”
On housing, Gallego suggested selling federal buildings to develop affordable condos for first-time buyers under 40. “When you graduate, you could buy an affordable condo. You would own it and sell it to someone else under 40. It’s not a rental. That way you can start building wealth,” Gallego said.
Beyond housing, immigration was also addressed. According to Gallego, it doesn’t make sense to push out students who bring knowledge and resources to universities and help fund schools.
“I was a college Democrat too. This is how it starts. Getting involved in politics early is a gateway to making change,” Gallego said.
“The decisions Congress is making now affect us for the rest of our lives. It’s important to talk to the people representing us,” Cooper Long, another UA College Democrats member, added.
Gallego also spoke about economic development in the region. According to Gallego, Tucson and southern Arizona have missed many job opportunities that the rest of the state has, and efforts are underway to reverse that trend. “We are trying to bring more jobs here and work with private industry and the university to create good paying jobs so people can stay if they want,” Gallego said.
The UA chapter of the Arizona College Democrats organized the event to connect students with elected officials and encourage civic engagement.
