Biography

Ben Ray Luján, born on June 7, 1972, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a Democratic politician serving as the junior United States Senator from New Mexico since January 3, 2021. He succeeded Senator Tom Udall. Prior to his Senate tenure, Luján represented New Mexico's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021. During the 116th Congress, he held the position of Assistant Speaker, making him the highest-ranking Hispanic in Congress at that time.

Raised in Nambé, a small farming community north of Santa Fe, Luján learned the values of hard work and dedication from his family and community. His father, Ben Luján Sr., served as Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives from 2002 to 2012.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Luján earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from New Mexico Highlands University in 2007.

• Early Career:

  • Served as Director of Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer for the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department.
  • Elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2004, representing District 3.
  • Served as Chairman of the Commission from 2005 to 2007.

• U.S. House of Representatives:

  • Elected in 2008 to represent New Mexico's 3rd congressional district.
  • Re-elected five times, serving until 2021.
  • Appointed Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2014.
  • Served as Assistant Speaker during the 116th Congress.

• U.S. Senate:

  • Elected in 2020 to succeed retiring Senator Tom Udall.
  • Sworn in on January 3, 2021.
  • Serves on several committees, including Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Finance; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Indian Affairs; and the Budget Committee.

Notable Achievements

• Healthcare:

  • Advocated for the expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program .
  • Supported the Social Security 2100 Act to improve benefits for current and future generations.
  • Introduced the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes Act to enhance healthcare access in rural and underserved areas through telementoring technology.

• Environmental Protection:

  • Led efforts to establish national monument designations for the Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks.
  • Advocated for the protection of the greater Chaco Canyon region from harmful oil and gas drilling.

• Economic Development:

  • Authored legislation to leverage New Mexico's national laboratories to drive job creation and address energy challenges.
  • Focused on spurring local economic growth through various legislative initiatives.

• Constituent Services:

  • In 2024, saved constituents over $20 million and closed over 1,600 constituent cases.
  • Completed a full tour of all 33 counties in New Mexico to address local concerns.

Senator Luján continues to advocate for healthcare access, environmental protection, and economic development, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of New Mexicans.