Linda Merlin, 68, of Globe, asked Gallego what can be done to help secure more transportation resources for veterans. She is a former Army mechanic who worked on turbine engines and an independent voter who said she wants her fellow veterans to get any help they need.

Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona toured the Iowa State Fairgrounds and spoke to Democrats about winning back seats in the 2026 midterms.

The first-term senator from Arizona crisscrossed the red state, holding a town hall, visiting the Iowa State Fair and making other stops, aiming to offer hope to Democrats.