Senator Ruben Gallego Faces Backlash After Leaked Texts Mock Democratic Party’s Image

Senator Ruben Gallego is under fire after a newly released cache of private text messages revealed he criticized the appearance and style of members of his own party. According to a report in People magazine, Gallego complained that the Democratic Party no longer “allows women to be hot” and lamented that “Dem women look like Dem men and Dem men look like women.”

The texts, obtained by a conservative outlet, contained other dismissive comments. In one exchange Gallego referred to the Democrats as “the not fun party,” complaining that they were always “telling and correcting people.” He added, “We used to be the party of sex, drugs and rock and roll.” A meme shared in the conversation allegedly mocked a Democratic congresswoman by associating her with a derogatory phrase. Gallego responded by saying, “They aren’t wrong.”

When pressed by local news outlet ABC15, Gallego did not deny the authenticity of the messages. He said he was “heartbroken” that a longtime friend, someone he had known and served with for around 20 years, decided to leak private conversations.

Despite the public outcry, he stood by the substance of his remarks, arguing that the Democratic Party had become too rigid in policing speech and identity and that the leaked messages “reflect what I have been saying the whole time.” Gallego argued that his broader concern was a shrinking “big tent” for the Democratic Party. He said the party should be “more inclusive,” welcoming a broader range of views and personal styles rather than enforcing strict orthodoxy of political correctness.

The fallout has been swift. Observers from across the political spectrum have criticized the remarks as tone-deaf and dismissive. For voters who supported Gallego’s image as a guard for working-class values and Democratic unity, the leak may cast doubt on whether he can build the broader coalition he says he envisions. As this story develops, it could spark deeper questions about the cultural identity of the modern Democratic Party.