WMUR: Gallego returns to New Hampshire, fueling presidential speculation
By Adam Sexton
Political Director
MANCHESTER, N.H. —U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, visited New Hampshire on Friday in a trip that is generating buzz about a possible run for the White House.
Gallego is holding a town hall event alongside U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-New Hampshire and spoke at a Politics and Eggs event before the New England Council.
Gallego said that while in college, he went to New Hampshire on a regular basis to fulfill his duties serving in the Marines.
“This is pretty cool, to be able to be here,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity for me to have a reunion. On the photo line, I ran into another Marine I served with almost 24 years ago here in New Hampshire with Bravo 125.”
Gallego is now the junior senator from Arizona. He has been on the road this summer, saying he wants to connect with working-class voters who he believes have a message for Democrats.
“What we missed last time was Americans were really hurting,” Gallego said. “They were hurting. The economy was hurting. They couldn’t buy a house. Grocery prices were going through the roof. People really felt this true despair. And they felt like the Democrats weren’t listening to them.”
The senator said that when Democrats are able to regain power, they need to take action quickly to achieve results for working people, lowering costs for things like child care.
So far this year, Gallego has made stops in Pennsylvania, Iowa and New Hampshire, stirring speculation this could be the beginning of a run for the White House, even though he’s indicating it’s not the time.
“At this point, I don’t think so,” he said. “I have three little kids. I love the work I’m doing. I also love being able to spend time with my kids. But I do have a message that I want the Democrats to listen to, whoever’s running, because I think it’s a winning message.”