Ben Ray Luján (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. Senate from New Mexico. He assumed office on January 3, 2021. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.
Luján (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. Senate to represent New Mexico. He won in the general election on November 3, 2020.
Luján was selected to be the House assistant majority leader in the 116th Congress. He previously served as one of the chief deputy whips of the Democratic caucus in the 113th Congress.
On November 17, 2014, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) chose Luján to be chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), succeeding Rep. Steve Israel (D-NY). He served in this position from 2015 to 2019. For more on Luján's career, click here.
Luján described himself as "a fierce advocate for environmental protection in New Mexico." He introduced the Rio Grande del Norte National Conservation Area Establishment Act several times in Congress. He is also chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ Green Economy and Renewable Energy Task Force.
Luján is a member of several different caucuses, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the Native American Caucus, the National Labs Caucus, and the Congressional Cleanup Caucus.
Ben Ray Luján was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Luján earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from New Mexico Highlands University in 2007. His career experience includes working as the director of administrative services and chief financial officer of the New Mexico Cultural Affairs Department.