Ben Ray Luján is the junior United States senator from New Mexico, serving since 2021. Before the Senate, he represented New Mexico's 3rd congressional district from 2009 to 2021 and rose into House Democratic leadership as an assistant speaker (2019–2021), becoming the highest-ranking Hispanic member of Congress at the time.
Earlier in his career, Luján served on the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (2005–2008), including as chairman, where he pushed utility and renewable-energy standards and joined regional efforts on climate policy. After graduating high school in 1990, he worked as a blackjack dealer at a tribal casino before earning a business degree and entering public service.
In Washington, he has built a profile around broadband expansion and rural connectivity, healthcare access, climate and clean energy investment, and tribal partnerships. He also became a prominent Democratic campaign operator: as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, he led efforts that culminated in Democrats winning a House majority in the 2018 midterms.
In the Senate, Luján has emphasized deliverables, funding, programs, and access, alongside progressive priorities. He has also navigated high-salience moments: he returned to work after recovering from a major stroke in early 2022, and he has been an active voice on institutional accountability and governance.
Progressive
Committee Assignments
Caucus Memberships
Achievements
- Helped lead New Mexico renewable-energy policy work as a state regulator, including strengthening utility renewable standards.
- Built a national profile on broadband and rural connectivity; chairs a key Senate communications/broadband subcommittee.
- Led the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and helped steer Democrats to a House majority in the 2018 midterms.
- Consistent focus on rural healthcare access, prescription cost relief, and public-option style healthcare reforms.
- Long-standing work on tribal investment and services across a district/state with extensive Pueblo and tribal communities.
Controversies
- Drew criticism for supporting SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) as a House member, a major flashpoint in internet-policy politics.
- Took scrutiny after joining a small group of Democrats in 2021 to block a ban on hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”).
- Became a target for GOP attacks branding Democratic climate and spending packages as too costly for energy-producing regions.
- Missed Senate votes during recovery from a major stroke in early 2022, prompting temporary questions about health and workload.
- Faces recurring cross-pressures in New Mexico between climate goals and near-term job concerns in fossil-fuel-heavy areas.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assn of Broadcasters | $71,370 | $56,370 | $15,000 |
| Democratic Senatorial Campaign Cmte | $49,600 | $0 | $49,600 |
| University of New Mexico | $42,098 | $42,098 | $0 |
| Akin, Gump et al | $29,567 | $22,067 | $7,500 |
| Forbes Tate Partners | $28,600 | $28,600 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2020 Margin D +5.9%