US President Joe Biden is up against a challenge from his own party in the battleground state of Arizona ahead of Senate elections, as he loses voters to not just former President Donald Trump as his voters are leaning more toward Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego.

Gallego is trying to win back the votes of Latinos, especially men, many of whom distanced themselves from the Democrat party under Biden’s leadership, and especially in the state where Latinos constitute about one-fifth of the electorate, as per AP VoteCast.

In a recent interview while eating Mexican tortas, Gallego said, “Most of these men are independent men, working-class men. They appreciate that I’m a veteran, Latino veteran, and working class,” adding that the Biden campaign will bring back some of the voters, but “there is going to be a subsection of voters, there’s just no denying it, that are going to vote for Donald Trump and vote for me.”

Glass production worker Ubaldo Lopez expressed that being a Latino provides Gallego an “understanding towards the Latino community and a better understanding of the people of the state of Arizona.”

Gallego, a former member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, stands out differently among other Democrats, most of whom are white, as he appeals to the Latino community in the state. 

Read more: Trump gaining traction among Latino voters

He additionally represents one of Arizona's most liberal districts, which is 65% Latino, as per data from the US Census Bureau. He is known to be a Latino activist and for his public criticism of those he disagrees with, at times using profanity.

Appealing to the community

Gallego has tackled the pressing issue of immigration by constantly criticizing the Biden administration for not doing enough to handle the migrant crisis, as he previously advocated the bipartisan legislation that aimed to secure the border earlier this year. Meanwhile, Trump called on Republicans to block the bill and prevent it from becoming a campaign issue.

Gallego said his views were in line with many Latinos, who he said want border security in addition to broad federal immigration changes.

A poll of the seven swing states by The Wall Street Journal back in March showed Trump winning most votes by Latino men, 47% to 40%, while in 2020, Biden garnered 59% to 38%, according to AP VoteCast. The poll even showed Biden leading Trump with Latinos in general, but his margin was down from 2020.

Historical data suggested that Trump tends to fare better with Latino voters during economic challenges. The results of the survey raise concerns for Democrats regarding their influence over this critical demographic.

Trump maintained his lead, despite embracing the same anti-immigrant rhetoric that characterized his presidential campaign in 2016.

In response to this update, Kevin Munoz, a Biden campaign spokesperson, said in a statement, “We know our agenda is strong and resonant among Latinos, and we also know it’s going to take time and effort on our part to meet Latinos where they are and bring them into our coalition,” adding, “Trump is doing nothing to talk to Latino voters.”

In the case that Gallego wins the Senate race, it will mark him being the first Latino to represent Arizona.