Bulwark Takes: Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly Show Dems How To Fight Back!

Release Date: March 19, 2025

Introduction

In the March 19, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, The Bulwark team delves into the strategic maneuvers of Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly as they navigate the challenging political landscape of Arizona. Hosted by The Bulwark, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of recent town halls, voter concerns, and the broader implications of Democratic strategies in a pivotal swing state.

Background: Scottsdale Town Halls and Democratic Strategy

The episode opens with the Political Analyst discussing their recent experience attending several town halls in Scottsdale, Arizona. These events featured Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, both prominent figures in Arizona politics. Gallego, notably the first Latino U.S. Senator from Arizona, and Kelly, a respected former Navy veteran, are at the forefront of the Democratic efforts to counteract Republican policies, particularly those targeting Medicaid.

The analyst sets the scene by highlighting Arizona's status as a deeply purple state—a battleground that swung to Donald Trump in 2024 after Joe Biden's historic win in 2020. This shift underscores the importance of Arizona in national elections and the critical role that senators like Gallego and Kelly play in shaping voter sentiment.

Key Issues Discussed

1. Immigration

   Immigration emerges as a central theme, reflecting Arizona's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border and its significant immigrant population. The analyst notes, "the issue of immigration helped power Donald Trump to his win" in Arizona, emphasizing its ongoing relevance in state politics.

2. Medicaid Cuts

   Republicans' proposed deep cuts to Medicaid have galvanized Democratic senators to mobilize and engage with voters. The town halls serve as platforms for Gallego and Kelly to articulate their positions and rally support against these potential reductions.

3. Lake and Riley Act

   Introduced at the beginning of 2025, the Lake and Riley Act has sparked significant controversy. This Republican bill is feared by Democrats and advocacy groups to erode due process and lead to racial profiling, even targeting immigrants for minor offenses like shoplifting. Both Gallego and Kelly voted in favor of the act, a decision that has drawn criticism from constituents and opponents alike.

Voter Perspectives

The episode features firsthand accounts from Arizona voters, providing a grassroots perspective on the senators' actions and the broader political climate.

1. Tom Dyson (Timestamp: 02:56)

   Tom Dyson, a Navy veteran and retired IT professional, expresses disappointment in Trump's handling of immigration. He states:

   "Trump decided that he wanted to torpedo [the bipartisan immigration bill], and then ran on fixing the system that was on the verge of being fixed... I know someone down where I live who's been waiting eight years to get his son into the country."

   Dyson advocates for creating pathways for legal immigration, emphasizing the need for manageable and humane immigration policies.

2. Ricardo Reyes (Timestamp: 04:32)

   Ricardo Reyes, an organizer for a veterans group, criticizes the senators' support for the Lake and Riley Act:

   "I have very big concerns with the way they voted for the Lincoln Riley Act... especially somebody like Ruben, who is a son of immigrants."

   Reyes calls for greater accountability and explanations from the senators regarding their voting decisions.

3. Hollanda Salina (Timestamp: 06:26)

   As a waitress in a Title 1 school district, Hollanda Salina shares the anxieties faced by immigrants in her community:

   "It's so scary... I see the fear in the parents taking their kids to school or not taking their kids to school."

   Salina highlights the tangible fears of deportations and their impact on families and education.

4. Marcos Castillo (Timestamp: 07:21)

   Marcos Castillo discusses the broader implications of mass deportations and critiques the current administration's approach:

   "Mass deportations are a disrespect to just humankind as a whole... it diminishes the accomplishments and the benefits of having good migration."

   Castillo advocates for a more humane and economically sensible immigration policy, stressing that indiscriminate deportations harm both individuals and the economy.

Senators' Responses and Strategies

Following the town halls, the Political Analyst conducted an exclusive interview with Senator Ruben Gallego. Addressing Ricardo Reyes' concerns about the Lake and Riley Act, Gallego explains:

"At the end of the day, Lake and Riley was a tough vote, no matter what. It's a tool that can be used by law enforcement to get some really bad people... I do not believe the law will be used to broadly erode rights because by design, it is costly to detain somebody until their court date."

Gallego emphasizes a pragmatic approach, focusing on utilizing the act to target genuine threats without overstepping constitutional boundaries. He acknowledges the complexity of the issue and the strategic necessity of certain legislative measures, even when contentious.

Conclusion and Analyst’s Reflections

The episode wraps up with the Political Analyst contemplating the future trajectory of Arizona's political landscape. They ponder the sustainability of Trump's immigration policies and their potential backlash among voters who view these actions as inhumane and economically detrimental. The analyst posits that while immigration remains Trump's strongest issue, the economy could become the pivotal factor influencing voter behavior. If economic conditions worsen, voter support may shift, altering the balance of power in future elections.

The analyst also reflects on the Democrats' strategic use of town halls as a means to connect with voters, address pressing concerns, and solidify their base in a state that remains critical for national electoral success. The challenges posed by the Lake and Riley Act and the senators' responses highlight the delicate balancing act Democrats must perform to navigate partisan divides and voter expectations.

Notable Quotes

• Tom Dyson (02:56): "I'm not an advocate of completely open borders, but by the same company, you have to have easy mechanisms for people to use."

• Ricardo Reyes (04:32): "I think it was a terrible bill. I think that they need to explain to us why they thought that that was a good bill, especially somebody like Ruben, who is, you know, a son of immigrants."

• Hollanda Salina (06:26): "I feel for... I see the fear in the parents taking their kids to school or not taking their kids to school."

• Marcos Castillo (07:21): "Mass deportations is a disrespect to just humankind as a whole... it diminishes the accomplishments and the benefits of having good migration."

• Senator Ruben Gallego (Interview segment): "Lake and Riley was a tough vote, no matter what... I do not believe the law will be used to broadly erode rights because by design, it is costly to detain somebody until their court date."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an insightful examination of Democratic strategies in Arizona, spotlighting the efforts of Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly to engage with voters and address contentious issues like immigration and Medicaid funding. Through voter testimonials and exclusive interviews, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and considerations shaping the Democrats' approach in a critical swing state.

For more detailed analysis and exclusive content, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to The Bulwark’s Huddled Masses newsletter.