Senator Ben Ray Luján is an American politician. He is serving as a junior US Senator from New Mexico under the Democrats since 2021.
He was a member of the US House of Representatives from 2009 till 2021. He was also the assistant House Democratic leader from 2019 to 2021. He also served as a member and chairman of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from 2005 to 2008.
Senator Ben Luján was born in Nambé Pueblo, New Mexico, on June 7, 1972. He graduated from the Pojoaque Variety High School. Afterward, he worked as a casino dealer in New Mexico. He then enrolled at the University of New Mexico but graduated from the New Mexico Highlands University with a BA.
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Senator Ben Luján Career
Luján began his political career as a member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from 2004 till 2008. Before his election, he was the Deputy State Treasurer. He was also the Director of Administrative Services in the state.
He also served as the Chief Financial Officer of the state’s Cultural Affairs Department. At the Public Regulation Commission, he represented District 3. He served as its chairman from 2005 to 2007.
After his service at the PRC, Luján ran for a seat at the US House of Reps to succeed Tom Udall. Luján won the Democratic primaries and defeated Republican Dan East and Independent Carol Miller. He won again in 2010, and he served till 2018.
In 2019, Luján announced his candidacy to succeed retiring Senator Tom Udall in the US Senate. He won the primaries unopposed and defeated Republican Mark Ronchetti in 2020. He assumed office in 2021.
Senator Ben Luján Accomplishments
Luján made legislation to bolster the Children’s Health Insurance Program in the state. Besides, he supported Medicaid and Medicare. He secured funding to combat the opioid crisis and drug abuse. Also, he expanded rehabilitation and treatment services.
He also introduced and sponsored bulls focusing on spurring economic growth in the state. He worked toward environmental protection, development, and preservation. He has been a leading voice in combating climate change to avoid its havoc on the environment.
Supporting clean energy, Luján also developed comprehensive legislation for zero carbon emission.
Luján’s administration also focused on creating tourist attractions and preservation of the state’s treasures. He also led efforts to establish parks and monuments in conservation areas. He also worked to support wildlife conservation, rural farming, and ranching.
Luján is a strong advocate of human rights. He has fought hard against racial and sexual discrimination in the state. He is also a strong advocate of women’s rights and LGBTQ rights.
Senator Ben Luján Criticisms
Senator Ben Ray Luján knows that the state has a double standard for politicians while he continues to exploit it. Unfortunately, Luján cherishes money more than his political assignments. He has been criticized for fundraising from campaigns and political infrastructures.
Luján was part of the senators who supported Trump’s impeachment. His decision came after Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.
Senator Ben Luján Net Worth
According to Incomepedia, Senator Ben Luján net worth is estimated at about $274,000.
Final Thoughts
Luján has boasted of several legislative achievements in the service of his people. He championed efforts to improve economic status by creating jobs and expanding healthcare access. But, his administration got under fire for financial misappropriation.
References
- https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2020/08/02/despite-no-corporate-money-pledges-democratic-federal-candidates-keep-taking-it/
- https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/latinos-gain-senate-seat-ben-ray-lujan-win-new-mexico-n1246325
- https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2020/11/4/21539124/senate-2020-results-new-mexico-ben-ray-lujan-winner
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- New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich Bio | Contact | Quotes
- New Mexico Senator Ben Luján Bio | Contact | Quotes
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