Luján, Ben Ray

Ben Ray Luján represents New Mexico in the U.S. Senate as a junior senator since 2021. As ranking member on two Senate subcommittees, he leads the Democratic opposition on food and nutrition policy within the Agriculture Committee and on telecommunications and media issues within the Commerce Committee. These positions give him significant influence over legislation affecting rural development, agricultural support, food security, and the telecommunications industry—areas critical to his home state. Ranking members shape committee debate, propose amendments, and direct their party's legislative strategy on these issues.

Luján brings relevant expertise from his earlier career in energy regulation and renewable energy policy. He served on New Mexico's Public Regulation Commission from 2005 to 2008, including three years as chairman, where he championed renewable energy standards requiring utilities to source 20 percent of energy from renewables and worked across western states on climate change solutions. Before his Senate election in 2020, he represented New Mexico's 3rd congressional district for twelve years and served as assistant House Democratic leader—the highest-ranking Hispanic in Congress at that time. He also chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, leading his party to a House majority in 2018.

As a self-described progressive Democrat, Luján has focused his Senate work on issues spanning agriculture, food security, telecommunications policy, budget matters, and border security. His committee assignments reflect New Mexico's economic priorities, including rural development and energy infrastructure. His legislative record shows sustained attention to food worker protections, customs and border protection oversight, and transparency in federal agencies. His combination of regulatory experience, party leadership background, and seniority positions him as an influential voice in shaping Democratic priorities on agriculture and technology policy.