Ruben first entered public office as a member of the New York State Assembly in 1997. He served seven terms in the state legislature, including tenures on the Assembly Ways and Means, Housing and Education committees. In 2009, he campaigned successfully in a special election for the Office of Bronx Borough President. While Borough President, The Bronx saw over $18.9 billion in new development of all kinds, including more than 45,000 new housing units and significant infrastructure improvements.

A staunch defender of the environment, Ruben is a leading voice against environmental racism and injustice and has led efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for Bronx residents. As Borough President, he provided tens of millions in funding to projects of all types in every Bronx neighborhood, including new technology upgrades to borough schools, green roofs and boiler upgrades, park improvements and more.

Ruben graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York, with a BA in political theory. A lifelong resident of the Bronx, he lives in the Southeast Bronx with his wife.