Ben Ray Luján (/luːˈhɑːn/ loo-HAHN;[2] born June 7, 1972) is an American politician who has served as the junior United States senator from New Mexico since 2021. He served as the U.S. representative for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district from 2009 to 2021 and as Assistant Speaker[a] from 2019 to 2021. He served as a member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from 2005 to 2008, where he also served as chairman.
Ben Ray Luján | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2021 | |
| United States Senator from New Mexico | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2021 Serving with Martin Heinrich | |
| Preceded by | Tom Udall |
| Assistant Speaker of the United States House of Representatives | |
| In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Jim Clyburn (Assistant Democratic Leader) |
| Succeeded by | Katherine Clark |
| Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee | |
| In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2019 | |
| Leader | Nancy Pelosi |
| Preceded by | Steve Israel |
| Succeeded by | Cheri Bustos |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 3rd district | |
| In office January 3, 2009 – January 3, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Udall |
| Succeeded by | Teresa Leger Fernandez |
| Member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from the 3rd district | |
| In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2009 | |
| Preceded by | Jerome Block[1] |
| Succeeded by | Jerome Block Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 7, 1972 Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Relatives | Ben Luján (father) |
| Education | University of New Mexico New Mexico Highlands University (BBA) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | Senate website |
Luján was selected as chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) in 2014 and led the Democrats to win a House majority in the 2018 elections. He was the first Hispanic to serve in this role.[3] In his role as assistant House Democratic leader, Luján was the highest-ranking Latino in Congress.
On April 1, 2019, Luján announced his intention to seek the United States Senate seat being vacated by two-term Democratic incumbent Tom Udall in the 2020 election.[4] He defeated Republican Mark Ronchetti in the general election on November 3, 2020[5][6] and took office on January 3, 2021.
Early life and education
editBen Ray Luján was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, as the last child of Carmen (Ray) and Ben Luján; he has two older sisters and an older brother. He was raised in Nambe, New Mexico.[7] His father, Ben, went into politics in 1970, when he was elected to the County Commission; from 1975, he was a longtime member of the New Mexico House of Representatives, serving as majority whip and Speaker of the House.[8]
After graduating from Pojoaque Valley High School in 1990,[9] Ben Ray Luján worked as a blackjack dealer at a tribal casino.[10] After that, he attended the University of New Mexico and received a BBA degree from New Mexico Highlands University.[11]
Early career
editPublic Regulation Commission
editLuján was elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in November 2004. He represented PRC district 3 which encompasses northeastern, north central and central New Mexico. His served as chairman of the PRC in 2005, 2006 and 2007. His term on the PRC ended at the end of 2008.[11] He helped to increase the Renewable Portfolio Standard in New Mexico that requires utilities to use 20 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2020. Luján also required utilities to diversify their renewable use to include solar, wind and biomass.[11]
Luján joined regulators in California, Oregon, and Washington to sign the Joint Action Framework on Climate Change to implement regional solutions to global warming.[12]
U.S. House of Representatives
editElections
edit2008
editIn 2008, Luján ran to succeed U.S. Representative Tom Udall in New Mexico's 3rd congressional district. Udall gave up the seat to make what would be a successful bid for the United States Senate.[citation needed] On June 3, 2008, Luján won the Democratic primary, defeating five other candidates.[13] His closest competitor, developer Don Wiviott, received 26 percent to Luján's 42 percent.[citation needed]
Luján faced Republican Dan East and independent Carol Miller in the general election and won with 57% of the vote to East's 30% and Miller's 13%.[14]
2010
editLuján won reelection against Republican nominee Thomas E. Mullins with 56.99% of the vote.
2012
editLuján won reelection against Republican nominee Jefferson Byrd with 63.12% of the vote.
2014
editLuján won reelection against Byrd again, with 61.52% of the vote.[15]
2016
editLuján won reelection against Republican nominee Michael H. Romero with 62.42% of the vote.
2018
editLuján won reelection against Republican nominee Jerald Steve McFall with 63.4% of the vote.
Tenure
editLuján has been a proponent of health care reform, including a public option. In October 2009, he gave a speech on the House floor calling for a public option to be included in the House health care bill.[16]
In June 2009, Luján voted for an amendment that would require the United States Secretary of Defense to present a plan including a complete exit strategy for Afghanistan by the end of the year. The amendment did not pass.[17] In September 2009, Luján wrote a letter urging the Obama administration not to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan. In his letter, he drew on conversations he had with General Stanley A. McChrystal and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.[17]
In 2011, Luján was a co-sponsor of Bill H.R. 3261, the Stop Online Piracy Act.[18]
Energy policy
editAccording to his campaign website, Luján has been active in environmental regulation.[19][better source needed] He chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus's Green Economy and Renewable Energy Task Force.[19] Luján has initiated several pieces of legislation regarding renewable energy such as the SOLAR Act. He co-authored the Community College Energy Training Act of 2009. He also supports natural gas usage and the New Alternative Transportations to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2009.[19] Luján has high ratings from interest groups such as Environment America and the Sierra Club.[17]
Luján serves on the bipartisan Congressional PFAS Task Force. He has introduced legislation to provide relief to communities and businesses impacted by PFAS/PFOA contamination in groundwater around Air Force bases in New Mexico and across the country.[20]
In addition to supporting the Green New Deal, an economic stimulus package that aims to address climate change and economic inequality, Luján has developed legislation to put the United States on a path to net zero carbon emission and address climate change.[21]
Education policy
editLuján has been supported by the National Education Association.[22] He supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act[19][better source needed] and student loan reform. He cosponsored the STEM Education Coordination Act in an effort to produce more scientists and innovators in the United States.[19]
Native American issues
editLuján has supported increased funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service.[19][better source needed] He opposed the Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012 and was in favor of preserving sacred Native American ground.[23] Luján worked to create legislation enabling tribes to directly request disaster assistance from the president.[24] Luján's district contains 15 separate Pueblo tribes as well as tribal lands of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and Navajo Nation.[25] In February 2009, Luján introduced a series of five water accessibility bills that, along with improving access to water for the many communities in the district, would also give federal funds to Indian tribes. Along with Harry Teague (D-NM) and Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), Luján sponsored an amendment to the House health care bill that would extend the current Indian Health Care system until 2025. Tribal governments were major donors to his 2012 reelection campaign.[26]
Committee assignments
editCaucus memberships
editU.S. Senate
editElections
edit2020
editOn April 1, 2019, Luján announced he was running to succeed retiring Senator Tom Udall in the 2020 election.[4] On June 2, 2020, Luján won the Democratic primary unopposed. He defeated Republican nominee Mark Ronchetti in the general election 51.7% to 45.6%.[29]
Tenure
edit117th Congress (2021–present)
editLuján was sworn into the Senate on January 3, 2021. He was accompanied by the outgoing Senator, Tom Udall.[30]
On January 6, 2021, Luján was participating in the certification of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count when Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol. He called the attack a "siege" and "a direct attack on our nation's democracy."[31] In the wake of the attack, Luján said he would vote to convict Trump "for inciting an insurrection."[32]
Luján was absent from the Senate while recovering from a major stroke in early 2022.[33]
Energy
editIn February 2021, Luján was one of seven Democratic U.S. Senators to join Republicans in blocking a ban of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking.[34]
Foreign policy
editIn January 2024, Luján voted for a resolution, proposed by Bernie Sanders, to apply the human rights provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act to U.S. aid to Israel's military. The proposal was defeated, 72 to 11.[35]
Committee assignments
editLuján served on the following Senate committees in the 118th United States Congress:[36]
Personal life
editLuján is a Catholic.[37]
On January 27, 2022, Luján was hospitalized in Santa Fe after feeling fatigued and dizzy. He was found to have had a stroke affecting his cerebellum and was transferred to the University of New Mexico Hospital for treatment, which included a decompressive craniectomy. A statement from his office said that "he is expected to make a full recovery".[38] Luján returned to work at the Senate on March 3 and stated by April 21 that he was 90% recovered.[33][39]
Electoral history
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján | 26,667 | 41.58 | |
| Democratic | Don Wiviott | 16,314 | 25.44 | |
| Democratic | Benny J. Shendo Jr. | 10,113 | 15.77 | |
| Democratic | Harry Montoya | 7,205 | 11.23 | |
| Democratic | Jon Adams | 1,993 | 3.11 | |
| Democratic | Rudy Martin | 1,838 | 2.87 | |
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján | 161,292 | 56.74 | |
| Republican | Daniel K. East | 86,618 | 30.47 | |
| Independent | Carol Miller | 36,348 | 12.79 | |
| Total votes | 284,258 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján (Incumbent) | 120,057 | 56.99 | |
| Republican | Thomas E. Mullins | 90,621 | 43.01 | |
| Total votes | 210,678 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján (Incumbent) | 167,103 | 63.12 | |
| Republican | Jefferson L. Byrd | 97,616 | 36.88 | |
| Total votes | 264,719 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján (Incumbent) | 170,612 | 62.42 | |
| Republican | Michael H. Romero | 102,730 | 37.58 | |
| Total votes | 273,342 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján (Incumbent) | 155,201 | 63.04 | |
| Republican | Jerald S. McFall | 76,427 | 31.02 | |
| Libertarian | Christopher Manning | 13,265 | 5.4 | |
| Total votes | 244,893 | 100.00 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Ben Ray Luján | 474,483 | 51.73% | −3.83% | |
| Republican | Mark Ronchetti | 418,483 | 45.62% | +1.18% | |
| Libertarian | Bob Walsh | 24,271 | 2.65% | N/A | |
| Total votes | 917,237 | 100.0% | N/A | ||
| Democratic hold | |||||
See also
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^ "Our Campaigns - NM Public Regulation Commissioner 03 Race - Nov 02, 2004". www.ourcampaigns.com.
- ^ As pronounced by himself in "Acequia". Archived February 13, 2017, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Taylor, Jessica (January 6, 2019). "A Guide To Who's Who In House Leadership For The 116th Congress". NPR. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ^ a b Arkin, James (April 2019). "Luján announces Senate run in New Mexico". POLITICO. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
- ^ Acevedo, Nicole (November 4, 2020). "Latinos gain a Senate seat with Ben Ray Lujan's win in New Mexico". NBC News. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ Homan, Timothy R. (November 4, 2020). "Democrat Ben Ray Luján wins open Senate seat in New Mexico". TheHill. Retrieved November 4, 2020.
- ^ "Ben Ray Lujan". Washington Post Live. August 31, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "A memorial recognizing Speaker of the House of Representatives Ben Lujan's contribution to the State of New Mexico and wishing him well on his retirement from the New Mexico Legislature". New Mexico Legislature (nmlegis.gov). 2012 Regular Session - HM 64. March 22, 2012. Final version. Retrieved December 18, 2016. Noting that he began his service in the house of representatives in 1975, the resolution further states: "Speaker Lujan was elected by his caucus to be majority whip in 1983 and majority floor leader in 1999, before being elected speaker of the house of representatives in 2001, placing him among just a handful of legislators across the country who have served in leadership positions continuously for thirty years" (p. 1).
- ^ Carroll, Dennis (June 4, 2011). "Pojoaque Valley graduation: Grandparents, congressman, notable alumni laud 55th graduating class". Santa Fe New Mexican.
- ^ "Is this small-town congressman from New Mexico tough enough to win Democrats the House majority?". Los Angeles Times. July 18, 2017.
- ^ a b c "Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.)". Who Runs Gov. Published by The Washington Post. 2010. Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
- ^ Oregon Agrees to Climate Change Framework Adopted by Four Public Utility Commissions. State of Oregon Public Utility Commission Archived November 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "2008 New Mexico Primary Results". SOS.nm.gov. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
- ^ Baker, Deborah. Lujan wins Democratic nomination, East gets GOP nod, in 3rd District. Portales News-Tribune. June 4, 2008. Archived June 5, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Garcia, Kristen (November 4, 2014). "Democrat Lujan defeats Byrd for U.S. House District 3". KOB TV. Albuquerque, New Mexico. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014.
- ^ Lujan, Ben. "Luján: We Must Demand A Public Option" [press release]. October 23, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2016, via Project Vote Smart; also available at lujan.house.gov/press-releases Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ a b c Lujan, Ben. "Rep. Luján Urges Administration To Reject Troop Increase In Afghanistan" [press release]. September 25, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2016 via Project Vote Smart; also available at lujan.house.gov/press-releases Archived December 20, 2016, at the Wayback Machine.
- ^ Bill H.R.3261 Archived March 16, 2012, at the Wayback Machine; GovTrack.us;
- ^ a b c d e f "Issues". Ben Ray Lujan for Congress. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
- ^ "Udall, Heinrich, Luján Introduce Legislation to Provide Relief to New Mexico Communities Affected by PFAS | U.S. Congressman Ben Ray Luján". lujan.house.gov. Archived from the original on May 30, 2019. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ^ Writer, Scott Turner | Journal Staff. "Luján's plan requires net-zero carbon emissions by 2050". www.abqjournal.com. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
- ^ "Ben Lujan, Jr.'s Ratings and Endorsements - The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. Archived from the original on January 23, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ^ "Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012 - Public Statements - The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. September 21, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ^ "Luján: Legislation Enabling Tribes to Request Disaster Assistance Directly from the President Passes House - Public Statements - The Voter's Self Defense System". Vote Smart. September 21, 2012. Retrieved February 23, 2016.
- ^ About the District. Website of Congressman Ben Jay Luján Archived May 5, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ National Institute on Money in State Politics. "Lujan, Ben R." followthemoney.org. Archived from the original on January 30, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2015.
- ^ "Membership". Congressional Arts Caucus. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
- ^ "Members". Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Archived from the original on May 15, 2018. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
- ^ "New Mexico U.S. Senate Election Results". The New York Times. January 5, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ "Ben Ray Luján sworn in as New Mexico Senator". KRQE News 13 Albuquerque - Santa Fe. January 4, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ "Luján Condemns Wednesday's Violence At U.S. Capitol". Los Alamos Reporter. January 7, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ "New Mexico officials react after House votes to impeach Trump". KRQE News 13 Albuquerque - Santa Fe. January 14, 2021. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ a b DeBonis, Mike (March 3, 2022). "Sen. Ben Ray Luján returns to Senate, just one month after major stroke". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ "Roll Call Vote 117th Congress - 1st Session". senate.gov. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Bolton, Alexander (January 16, 2024). "Democratic rebels send Biden stern message on Gaza". The Hill. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Senate: Committee Assignments of the 118th Congress". www.senate.gov. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
- ^ Fontelo, Paul V. (January 9, 2021). "Catholics rise to prominence in newest Congress". Arkansas Online. Archived from the original on January 15, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
- ^ Finn, Teaganne; Kapur, Sahil (February 1, 2022). "Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan hospitalized after stroke". NBCNews.com. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ "Sen. Ben Ray Luján says he's '90% recovered' from his stroke". NBCNews.com. April 22, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
- ^ "2008 Primary Results" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 22, 2016. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ "2008 Election Results" (PDF).
- ^ "2010 Election Results" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on September 27, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2011.
- ^ "Statewide Results". New Mexico Secretary of State. Archived from the original on December 27, 2017.
- ^ "Election Night Results - November 8, 2016". New Mexico Secretary of State. November 8, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2016.
- ^ "Official Results - 2020 General November 3, 2020". New Mexico Secretary of State. Archived from the original on February 10, 2021. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
External links
edit
- Ben R. Luján official U.S. Senate website
- Ben R. Luján for U.S. Senate
