Gallego debuts Copa América-themed ad in Arizona

Arizona Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego is launching a Copa América-themed ad in his Senate bid as the continental soccer tournament gets underway in the United States.

Gallego’s sixth TV ad overall and first Spanish-language ad, “Campeón,” highlights his upbringing as a son of immigrants, Harvard graduate and Marine veteran.

The Copa América, a continental tournament that originally accepted only South American teams, is being played in the United States for the second time in its history, including North and Central American and Caribbean teams.

It’s expected to draw a large Hispanic audience, with the Mexican national team — the most popular soccer team in the United States with more than 60 million followers — set to debut Saturday against Jamaica.

Mexico will host a match against Ecuador in the group stage at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on June 30.

“Growing up, I remember watching soccer matches with my cousins and rooting for superstars like Carlos Valderrama and Hugo Sánchez,” said Gallego, referring to the all-time greats from Colombia and Mexico, respectively.

“When Copa América kicks off this week, communities across Arizona will see this ad and know that I will fight for the issues that matter most to them, including cutting costs, protecting abortion rights, and delivering real solutions to the border crisis.”

Like Gallego’s, other campaigns are latching on to the continental tournament to reach Latinos.

The Biden-Harris campaign launched its Spanish-language Copa América ad “Gooollll!” on Thursday, ahead of the Argentina-Canada opening match, which Argentina won 2-0.

In Florida, Sen. Rick Scott (R) launched his own “GOOOOL” ad, with a six-figure TV and digital ad buy.

The United States will play its first game Sunday against Bolivia. The tournament will end July 14 with a final at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.