Ben Ray Luján, candidate for New Mexico Senator
Name: Ben Ray Luján
Age: 54
Party: Democratic
Occupation: U.S. Senator for New Mexico's 3rd District
Relevant Experience
I have dedicated my career to improving the lives of those in New Mexico, whether fighting to create good-paying jobs for hardworking New Mexican men and women, increasing access to quality, affordable health care, and protecting New Mexico’s natural resources.
I’ve proudly represented New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since 2021, where I’ve worked every day to lower costs, strengthen public safety, protect food programs and affordable health care, expand broadband, and invest in New Mexico’s future.
Prior to the U.S. Senate, I was proud to serve as a member of the House of Representatives for over 10 years, including as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and as the Assistant Speaker of the House.
Personal
I was born and raised on a small family farm in Nambé, New Mexico, where I learned the value of hard work and service from my father, a union ironworker and Speaker of the House, and my mother, a public school employee. Those lessons led me to pursue public service, first as a Public Regulation Commissioner, to the U.S. House, and now in the U.S. Senate.
Today, I'm proud to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate as the first Hispanic Senator in more than 40 years from our state. I'm focused on lowering costs, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting food assistance, and creating good-paying jobs. I’ve worked to deliver real results for working families, rural and Tribal communities, and all 33 counties, while standing up for our values and holding those in power accountable.
If you are elected, what are your priorities for New Mexico?
Across our state, families are feeling the squeeze as costs from fuel to health care continue to skyrocket. Reckless tariffs and President Trump’s war are driving up prices and making it harder for hardworking New Mexicans to put food on the table. I will be a relentless advocate for policies that bring down costs and put families first. I also remain steadfast in the fight to ensure that every New Mexican has access to high-quality, affordable health care. And I will continue working to grow our local economy by supporting the diverse industries that create jobs across the state and investing in infrastructure that improves our roads and delivers reliable broadband.
What is your position on data centers?
Electricity costs are already too high, and New Mexicans know just how scarce and vital our water resources are. Data centers should not use our drinking water or water used for agricultural purposes. They should also be required to generate their own power rather than strain the grid, and New Mexicans should not pay a penny more for their electricity. I’ve also authored bipartisan legislation to prevent water waste and protect community drinking water.
What are your plans to ensure transparency and make sure you are accessible to constituents?
I’m proud of the work my office does every day to serve New Mexicans. Accessibility, transparency, and timely, high-quality constituent services have always been top priorities. From helping veterans and their families retrieve long-lost awards and medals, to helping seniors secure their Social Security benefits, to cutting through the red tape, we work hard to help New Mexicans when they need it most. My office is always here and ready to help no matter the challenge.
What makes you the best candidate?
Families are being squeezed by skyrocketing costs – from the grocery store to the gas pump. I’m fighting to lower costs, protect access to food and health care, and ensure New Mexicans always have a strong voice at the table.
I have a proven record of bringing people together to deliver for New Mexico. I championed bipartisan legislation into law to plug abandoned oil and gas wells and create good-paying jobs, compensate New Mexicans harmed by radiation exposure and uranium mining, and combat drunk and impaired driving. These are just some examples of the legislative fights I’ve taken on – and won – in the Senate, even when I was told it couldn’t be done.
But there is still more work to do. As New Mexico’s Senator, I will work with anyone who is serious about delivering for our state. And I will never hesitate to stand up to those who threaten our values or try to divide our people.
