Luján, Ben Ray

Ben Ray Lujan is the junior United States Senator from New Mexico, having taken office in January 2021. Before his election to the Senate, he served six terms as the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd congressional district from 2009 to 2021. His professional background includes serving as the chairman of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, where he was instrumental in expanding the state's renewable energy standards for wind and solar power. He is a self-described progressive Democrat and currently serves as a co-dean of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

In the Senate, Lujan holds several influential committee assignments, including positions on the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, where he serves as a Ranking Member for Telecommunications and Media. He also serves on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Finance. His policy focus often centers on rural development, energy infrastructure, and consumer protection. He has also been active on the Committee on Indian Affairs, reflecting the needs of his diverse constituency in New Mexico.

Throughout his career in Washington, Lujan has held significant leadership roles within the Democratic Party. He served as the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee during the 2018 cycle and later became the Assistant Speaker of the House, making him the highest-ranking Hispanic member of Congress at that time. His legislative efforts include sponsoring bills related to land grant cooperation, immigration hiring processes, and civil rights protections. He continues to advocate for regional solutions to climate change and the expansion of renewable energy resources.