Ben Ray Luján facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ben Ray Luján
Official portrait, 2021
United States Senator from New Mexico
Incumbent
Assumed office January 3, 2021 Serving with Martin Heinrich
Preceded by	Tom Udall
Assistant Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
In office January 3, 2019 – January 3, 2021
Leader	Nancy Pelosi
Preceded by	Jim Clyburn (Assistant Democratic Leader)
Succeeded by	Katherine Clark
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
In office January 3, 2015 – January 3, 2019
Leader	Nancy Pelosi
Preceded by	Steve Israel
Succeeded by	Cheri Bustos
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico's 3rd district
In office January 3, 2009 – January 3, 2021
Preceded by	Tom Udall
Succeeded by	Teresa Leger Fernandez
Member of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission from the 3rd district
In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2009
Preceded by	Jerome Block
Succeeded by	Jerome Block Jr.
Personal details
Born	(1972-06-07) June 7, 1972 (age 53) Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Relatives	Ben Luján (father)
Education	University of New Mexico New Mexico Highlands University (BBA)
Signature

Ben Ray Luján (born June 7, 1972) is an American politician. He is currently a U.S. Senator for New Mexico. He started this job in 2021.

Before becoming a Senator, he was a U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd district. He served in the House from 2009 to 2021. He also held important leadership roles. He was the Assistant Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2021. He was also the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). This committee helps elect Democrats to the House. He was the first Hispanic person to lead the DCCC.

Luján was elected to the Senate in 2020. He took over the seat from Senator Tom Udall.

About Ben Ray Luján

Early Life and Education

Ben Ray Luján was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He grew up in Nambe, New Mexico. His father, Ben Luján, was also a politician. His father served for many years in the New Mexico House of Representatives. He was even the Speaker of the House.

After high school, Ben Ray Luján worked as a blackjack dealer. He then went to college. He studied at the University of New Mexico. He earned a business degree from New Mexico Highlands University.

Early Career in Public Service

Luján started his public service career in 2005. He was elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. This group helps regulate important services. These services include electricity, gas, and water. He represented District 3 in New Mexico. He was the chairman of the Commission for three years.

While on the Commission, he supported clean energy. He helped create rules for utilities. These rules required them to use more renewable energy. This included power from the sun, wind, and plants. He also worked with other states. They worked together on solutions for global warming.

Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Becoming a Representative

In 2008, Luján ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. The previous representative, Tom Udall, was running for the Senate. Luján won the Democratic primary election. He then won the general election. He became the U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd district.

He was re-elected to his House seat several times. He served in the House for 12 years.

Important Work in the House

Luján worked on many issues in Congress. He supported making healthcare better for everyone. He also spoke about the U.S. military in Afghanistan. He wanted a clear plan for troops to leave.

He also focused on technology and the internet. He supported a bill called the Stop Online Piracy Act.

Energy and Environment

Luján cares a lot about the environment. He worked on laws to promote renewable energy. He helped create the SOLAR Act. This act supports solar energy. He also helped with a bill to train people for green jobs.

He supports using natural gas. He also has high ratings from environmental groups. These groups include Environment America and the Sierra Club.

Luján also works on issues related to PFAS. These are chemicals that can pollute water. He wants to help communities affected by this pollution. He also supports the Green New Deal. This plan aims to fight climate change and create jobs.

Education

Luján has been supported by the National Education Association. He supported laws that helped schools. He also supported student loan reform. He worked on a bill to encourage STEM education. This helps create more scientists and innovators.

Native American Issues

Luján's district includes many Native American tribes. He has worked to help these communities. He supported more funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He also supported the Indian Health Service. He helped create laws for tribes to get disaster help. He also worked on bills to improve water access for tribal communities.

Committees and Groups

While in the House, Luján was part of important committees. He served on the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce. This committee deals with energy, technology, and health. He was also on the United States House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis.

He was also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This group supports Hispanic members of Congress.

Serving in the U.S. Senate

Senate Election 2020

In 2019, Luján announced he would run for the Senate. He wanted to take the place of Senator Tom Udall, who was retiring. Luján won the Democratic primary election without any opponents. In the general election, he defeated Mark Ronchetti. He officially became a U.S. Senator on January 3, 2021.

Key Moments in the Senate

Luján was sworn into the Senate in early 2021. Soon after, on January 6, 2021, the U.S. Capitol was attacked. Luján called this attack "a direct attack on our nation's democracy."

In early 2022, Luján had a stroke. He was away from the Senate while he recovered. He returned to work in March 2022. He later said he was almost fully recovered.

Energy Policy in the Senate

In 2021, Luján joined other Senators. They voted against a ban on hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking.

Foreign Policy

In 2024, Luján voted on a proposal about U.S. aid to Israel's military. The proposal was about making sure human rights laws were followed. The proposal did not pass.

Senate Committees

As a Senator, Luján serves on several important committees:

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry: This committee deals with farming, food, and natural resources.
• Committee on the Budget: This committee works on the government's spending plans.
• Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation: He is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband. This committee handles topics like internet, space, and consumer safety.
• Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: This committee focuses on health, schools, and jobs.
• Committee on Indian Affairs: This committee works on issues important to Native American tribes.

Personal Life

Ben Ray Luján is Catholic.

In January 2022, Luján had a stroke. He was hospitalized and had surgery. His office said he was expected to make a full recovery. He returned to work in the Senate in March 2022.

Electoral History

Images for kids

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  Ben Ray Luján's signature

See also

• List of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States Congress