In its first interview, First Balkan Media had the honor of speaking with U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona, a Democratic politician whose journey from Chicago to the United States Senate is a story of military service, perseverance and public leadership.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Gallego is a first-generation American. His mother is Colombian and his father is Mexican. He attended Harvard College, where he graduated in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in government and was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
Gallego also served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, an experience that took him around the world and helped shape his approach to public service.
His political career continued to rise. Gallego served as a U.S. Representative for Arizona from 2015 to 2025, representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District and later the 3rd Congressional District. On January 22, 2023, he announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. In 2024, he won the election and became a United States Senator representing Arizona.
Connecting America and the Balkans
During the American Balkan Leadership & Trade Forum , Senator Gallego, an honorary member of the organization, joined business, political and community leaders gathered to strengthen relationships between the American and Balkan communities.
First Balkan Media asked him how Americans and Balkan communities can build stronger connections and create new opportunities for collaboration, business and economic growth.
Gallego emphasized the importance of commerce and direct business relationships.
“Commerce and capitalism really matters. Making sure we have as many trade deals as possible, as many actual business negotiations between the Balkans, between the expats that are here, the diaspora Balkans, to kind of create an environment so that way there’s more connections between our countries. The best way to do it is business-to-business.”
Has Senator Gallego Ever Visited the Balkans?
As a Marine, Gallego traveled extensively around the world. But has he ever visited the Balkans?
His answer was straightforward: not yet.
“No, I’m not actually, but I look forward to it. My friend Philip keeps threatening to take me, and I can’t wait to go.”
Senator Gallego and Balkan Food
Once the conversation turned to Balkan culture and the people of the region, First Balkan Media also asked whether the senator had ever tried Balkan food.
He has.
“I have tried Balkan food. Thank you very much. And I do like it. It’s also very close to both Mediterranean as well as Greek food. So I kind of like the combination of that too.”
What Can Balkan Americans Do Better?
With his background as a Harvard graduate, Marine veteran, former congressman and now U.S. senator, Gallego was asked what advice he would give to Balkan Americans looking to succeed in the United States.
He said he sees many similarities between the Balkan and Latino communities, particularly their strong work ethic, family values and entrepreneurial spirit.
“I really value the fact that the Balkan community is very much like another community that I understand — the Latino community. They’re hardworking, family-oriented, very motivated. They are very capitalistically motivated. They want to start businesses. They want to actually be part of the American dream. Just keep doing that. That’s the advice.”
The American Dream
Is there a secret formula for achieving the American Dream?
For Gallego, the answer is simple: work hard, follow the rules and pursue your ambitions.
“This is a great country. It’s the best country in the world, especially if you want to take advantage of your dreams and your aspirations. If you work hard, play by the rules, you’re going to succeed. And I think everyone should try to do that.”
A Message for the American Balkan Trade Center
First Balkan Media also asked Senator Gallego how the American Balkan Trade Center, as a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening connections between America and the Balkans, can continue to improve its work.
Gallego returned to one central message: connection
“Just continue connecting all of us. Again, I think the more that we are able to connect, create those types of business relationships, making sure that our countries are intertwined culturally, commercially and in terms of markets, that makes us all stronger. Richer and stronger countries end up being better in the end.”
Building a Bridge Between Two Worlds
Senator Gallego’s message reflects the broader mission of the American Balkan Trade Center: bringing people together and creating opportunities that extend beyond culture and community.
For the growing Balkan-American community, building stronger relationships with American institutions, businesses and political leaders can open doors to new partnerships, investment and economic opportunities.
And for Senator Gallego, the message is clear — connection creates opportunity.
First Balkan Media was proud to have the opportunity to speak with Senator Ruben Gallego during the American Balkan Leadership & Trade Forum and to bring this conversation to the Balkan-American community.
