[citation needed] In February 2002, Gallardo resigned from Maricopa County Election Department and announced his candidacy for the Arizona House of Representatives.

He was elected in November 2002 to represent Legislative District 13 covering areas of Maryvale, Glendale, Tolleson, Cashion, and Avondale.

[6] In 2011, Gallardo was one of more than two dozen Arizona politicians who accepted free tickets to attend college football games, known locally as the Fiesta Bowl.

"[11] Following the passage of Arizona SB 1062 in February 2014, which sought to allow businesses to deny services to LGBT people, especially same-sex couples, based on religious beliefs, and its veto by Governor Jan Brewer, Gallardo came out as gay.

[5] Gallardo was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives for Arizona's 7th congressional district in the 2014 elections, following the retirement of incumbent Ed Pastor.

[5] He then withdrew from the race in May to stand for the seat vacated by fellow house candidate Mary Rose Wilcox on the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.