Ruben Navarrette Jr.

Ruben Navarrette Jr. is a nationally syndicated columnist with The Washington Post Writers Group, whose biweekly column appears in nearly 150 newspapers, making him the most widely read Latino columnist in the country. His work is recognized for challenging both political parties with equal intensity, which has established him as a pivotal figure for understanding the nation's diverse Latino community. Navarrette's columns, known for provoking strong reactions, often garner significant attention, accumulating up to 800,000 page views and thousands of reader comments.

Navarrette is a regular contributor to CNN and writes a weekly column for CNN.com focusing on a broad range of topics including immigration, politics, and the Latino vote. His insightful commentary extends beyond print to numerous television programs such as "Lou Dobbs Tonight," "Inside Politics," and "Anderson Cooper 360." Beyond CNN, his opinions have been featured across various media outlets including PBS' All-American Presidential Forums and shows like "The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" and "NOW with Bill Moyers."

In radio, Navarrette is a co-host at KOGO-600 AM in San Diego and continues to influence through The Blaze Radio Network. His voice has reached a broad audience, previously being highlighted on the nationally syndicated radio show hosted by Rush Limbaugh. Navarrette also engages audiences with his own podcast, “Navarrette Nation,” where he delves into political and cultural issues. His extensive involvement in radio and television complements his written work, providing a multimedia approach to his commentary.

Navarrette's contributions to journalism have been recognized with nominations and awards, such as a Pulitzer Prize nomination in Commentary in 2012 and winning first place in column writing from the California Newspaper Publishers Association in 2006. A graduate of Harvard College and the John F. Kennedy School of Government, he has also authored books such as "A Darker Shade of Crimson: Odyssey of a Harvard Chicano," and "American First: The Ethnic Odyssey of an American-Mexican," which discuss themes of identity and politics. His reputation as a thoughtful and engaging speaker has led to invitations from prestigious venues including Harvard and various leadership forums, underscoring his role as a significant commentator on American and Latino affairs.