PHOENIX – U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona announced Friday he is going on paternity leave after the birth of his third child, a boy named Cooper.

“Sydney and I are overjoyed to welcome our son into the world,” Gallego said in a press release . “He is a healthy baby, and I am beyond grateful that both mom and baby are doing well. Michael and Isla are thrilled to welcome their new younger brother into the family.”

Cooper is Sydney Gallego’s second child with the senator after Isla was born in July 2023.

Micheal is from Ruben Gallego’s previous marriage to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. The former Valley power couple divorced in 2017 .

Ruben Gallego says he won’t miss Senate votes during paternity leave

Gallego, a Democrat, said he’ll be present in the Senate for floor votes but will take a break from most official duties and public appearances while on paternity leave.

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“I understand the immense trust the people of Arizona have placed in me, which is why I will still be fulfilling my responsibility to vote,” he said. “But the job of dad is also an immense responsibility and one I’ll be focusing on that for a while.”

Gallego is in his first term as a senator. He previously represented a Phoenix district in the U.S. House for 10 years.

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