Serving
Senator Luján is up for re-election in 2026 in a state that has trended blue but remains competitive. As one of the most senior Hispanic members of the Senate, his seat is critical for Latino representation.
Made full recovery from January 2022 stroke. Strong champion for tribal communities, environmental protection, and healthcare. First Hispanic NM Senator in 45+ years.
Key dates to watch: Primary on June 2, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.
Ben Ray Luján grew up on a small family farm in Nambé, New Mexico, raised by a union ironworker father and public school employee mother. His father, Ben Luján Sr., served as Speaker of the New Mexico House. Ben Ray is the first Hispanic senator from New Mexico in over 45 years and the first Tewa (Native American) to represent the state in the U.S. Senate. He is one of only two Head Start graduates to ever serve in the Senate.
Born and raised in Nambé, a small farming community north of Santa Fe bordered by Nambé and Pojoaque Pueblos. Father Ben Luján Sr. was a union ironworker who served as Speaker of the New Mexico House. Mother was a public school employee. Learned New Mexico values of hard work from family and community. Head Start graduate.
Director of Administrative Services and Chief Financial Officer, New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department; New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
Pojoaque Valley High School (1990); University of New Mexico (attended 1990-1995); B.B.A., New Mexico Highlands University (2007)