Divorce records for Arizona Senate candidate Ruben Gallego and his ex-wife, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, have been unsealed, but they reveal little about the couple’s high-profile marriage or the reasons behind their split. The documents, made public on Thursday after a seven-year legal battle, come at a critical time as Gallego campaigns for the Senate seat in a race that could significantly impact control of Congress.
No Scandal Found
The unsealed records, sought by the conservative outlet Washington Free Beacon, were released following a ruling from the Arizona Supreme Court, which denied the Gallegos’ request to keep the documents sealed for the sake of their child’s privacy. Despite speculation, the records contain no allegations of abuse or infidelity, which have often fueled rumors in the media and among political opponents.
In a joint statement, the Gallegos criticized Kari Lake, the Republican nominee, for using the divorce as a political weapon. Lake has suggested that the release of the records would be a “massive story” and questioned Gallego’s character, alleging he abandoned his wife while she was nine months pregnant.
However, the divorce decree explicitly states that “there was no domestic violence during the marriage or that significant domestic violence did not occur.”
Political Fallout
Kari Lake’s campaign has seized upon the divorce records to question Gallego’s integrity. In a recent interview, she stated, “I hope everybody who says they’re going to vote for him will hold off until we get the details about why he ran off on his wife.” This rhetoric has intensified scrutiny on Gallego, particularly as he positions himself as a champion for women’s rights.
The Gallegos responded to Lake’s comments with a demand for an apology, arguing that her claims endanger their child’s privacy. “She will stop at nothing to score a cheap political point,” they said, emphasizing their commitment to protecting their son, who is now seven years old.
A “Garden Variety” Divorce
Yavapai County Judge John Napper, who oversaw the unsealing of the records, described the case as “one of the most garden variety divorce files I have ever seen.” He expressed disappointment that the public was expecting scandal, suggesting that the reality was far more mundane. The couple’s custody arrangements and asset division details were largely redacted, further limiting the insights available to the public.
The divorce, finalized four months after it was filed in 2016, shocked the Arizona political community, especially given the timing surrounding the birth of their first child. The couple had kept their separation private, with Ruben Gallego previously hinting that his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder from military service may have played a role in the dissolution of their marriage.
Moving Forward
Despite the controversy surrounding their divorce, Kate Gallego has publicly endorsed her ex-husband’s Senate campaign, and the two have made multiple public appearances together, often alongside their son. This collaborative dynamic may serve as a counterbalance to the political attacks aimed at Ruben Gallego.
As the Senate race heats up, the Gallegos continue to emphasize their shared commitment to their family and the importance of privacy in their personal lives. With the unsealed records failing to provide any scandalous revelations, it remains to be seen how much longer the divorce will serve as a focal point in this contentious political battle.
