Arizona Senate candidate’s lawyers fight a Free Beacon motion to unseal records related to 2016 divorce in which Gallego left 9-months pregnant wife
Rep. Rubén Gallego (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Rep. Ruben Gallego (D., Ariz.) insists that he has nothing to hide regarding his divorce from his wife, who was nine months pregnant at the time. He attributes the divorce to PTSD-induced “outbursts.” However, Gallego is currently battling to keep his divorce records sealed, arguing that the public’s interest in them is minimal compared to concerns of privacy and security.
In a recent court filing, Gallego’s lawyers, representing him and his ex-wife, Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego, requested the superior court in Yavapai County to reject the motion by the Washington Free Beacon to unseal their divorce proceedings. While Gallego’s legal team claims that the sealed information does not involve any allegations of abuse or misconduct, they admit that they have not reviewed all the relevant divorce records.
Instead, Gallego’s lawyers argue that the sealed documents contain highly personal and detailed agreements related to custody and care arrangements for their son, including disciplinary measures and extracurricular activities.
The Free Beacon, on the other hand, contends that Gallego, as a prominent public figure, has openly discussed his divorce during his campaign. Gallego has attributed his separation to PTSD resulting from his service in Iraq, claiming that the trauma led to “extreme outbursts” and excessive drinking.
The Gallegos’ attorneys strongly criticize the Free Beacon, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the courts to undermine Rep. Gallego’s political career. They point to the Free Beacon’s slogan, “Covering the enemies of freedom the way the mainstream media won’t,” as evidence of their biased intentions.
The Free Beacon has previously reported on Gallego, including his second wife’s job as a real estate lobbyist, his controversial advice to a fellow Marine regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, and his recent endorsement from a left-wing activist group advocating for defunding the police.
“Given the highly personal nature of the information, unrelated to Rep. Gallego and Mayor Gallego’s roles as elected officials, the Free Beacon’s interest in it is minimal,” the Gallegos’ lawyers argue.
It is not uncommon for news organizations to seek the release of divorce records involving public figures. In a recent case, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and several other news outlets successfully sued to unseal divorce records of Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor in Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis’ investigation of Donald Trump. Similarly, in 2018, the Minnesota Star-Tribune sued to make then-Rep. Keith Ellison’s divorce records public after an ex-girlfriend accused him of physical abuse.
What are the arguments made by the Washington Free Beacon in favor of unsealing Ruben Gallego’s divorce records?
, the motion to unseal the records implies that there might be damaging or controversial information within those documents.
The Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet, argues that the public has a right to access such records, especially considering that Gallego is currently running for the Arizona Senate. They believe that voters should have full transparency about a candidate’s past, especially when it involves a situation as significant as leaving a pregnant spouse.
Gallego’s lawyers, however, contend that unsealing the records would violate both their clients’ right to privacy and their personal security. They argue that the public’s right to know about a divorce that occurred years ago, especially one that involved traumatic events, is outweighed by the negative consequences it could bring to the parties involved, including their safety and well-being.
Gallego has been open about his mental health struggles, including his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He attributes his “outbursts” during his marriage to PTSD and emphasizes that he regrets the pain his actions may have caused his ex-wife and their family.
However, the Free Beacon’s motion raises questions about whether there is more to the story, something that voters deserve to know before making an informed decision. The motion suggests the possibility of undisclosed details that could be relevant to Gallego’s character and fitness for public office.
The debate over the unsealing of divorce records is not new in politics. Candidates from both major parties have faced similar dilemmas, with arguments for and against transparency. One key element of this debate is the distinction between public and private lives, and the extent to which voters have a right to know about a candidate’s personal history.
While Gallego’s lawyers maintain that the focus should be on his policies, experience, and qualifications, critics argue that a person’s actions in their personal life can reflect their character and ability to govern. Divorce records, in particular, can provide valuable insights into a candidate’s integrity, honesty, and decision-making abilities.
The court will ultimately have to weigh the competing arguments presented by Gallego and the Free Beacon, considering the rights of privacy and public interest. While it is essential to respect individuals’ privacy, particularly when it involves personal hardships, it is also crucial to ensure that voters have access to information that may impact their decision at the ballot box.
As the legal battle over the unsealing of Ruben Gallego’s divorce records continues, it will undoubtedly raise broader questions about the balance between transparency and privacy in political campaigns. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future candidates and establish guidelines for the disclosure of personal information that voters deem relevant in making informed choices.
Ultimately, the court’s decision will determine whether the public’s right to know trumps the parties’ individual rights to privacy and security. Regardless of the outcome, this case serves as a reminder of the complexities that arise when personal and public lives collide in the political arena.
As the Arizona Senate election draws near, voters will have to consider not just policy positions but also how a candidate’s personal history and actions reflect their character and suitability for office. The unsealing of Ruben Gallego’s divorce records could provide valuable information for Arizona voters to make an informed decision about their next Senator.
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