Ben Ray Luján

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says he has dedicated his career to "fighting to create good-paying jobs for hardworking New Mexican women and men."[1]
• Lists his priorities as making New Mexico more affordable, delivering for New Mexicans, keeping New Mexicans safe, and upholding New Mexican values.[2]
• Pledges to lower costs for families, including health care and prescription drugs, and to serve all 33 counties.[3]
• Says in his first general-election ad that he opposed efforts in Washington to "close our VA clinics, sell our lands, and cut Medicaid."[5]
• Highlights his legislation expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) for New Mexicans harmed by radiation and uranium mining.[6],[1]

Background

• U.S. Senator, U.S. Senate (New Mexico) · 2021–present[4],[11]
• Assistant Speaker (House Assistant Democratic Leader), U.S. House of Representatives · 2019–2021[4]
• Chair, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee · 2015–2019[4]
• U.S. Representative, U.S. House (New Mexico's 3rd District) · 2009–2021[4]
• Commissioner (chair 2005–2007), New Mexico Public Regulation Commission · 2005–2008[4]

Education

• B.B.A., New Mexico Highlands University[4]

Where they stand

• Health Care
  Led a Senate Democratic proposal to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits and says rural hospitals are under threat from federal health care cuts.[6],[1]
• Social Security & Medicare
  Says he will "protect and strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security" and defend nutrition assistance for working families, seniors, veterans, and rural communities.[3]
• Economy & Jobs
  Says President Trump's tariffs "raise costs for working families and fuel economic instability." Backed legislation to reverse 2025 cuts to SNAP food assistance.[6]
• Immigration
  Said in January 2026 that he would vote against Homeland Security funding without oversight and accountability measures, after federal immigration agents fatally shot two people in Minneapolis, and called for an independent investigation of one of the shootings.[4]
• Foreign Policy
  Says he has voted 14 times to end the U.S. war in Iran.[1]
• Public Safety
  Says four of his bills on fentanyl addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery became law as part of the SUPPORT Act.[6]
• Abortion
  Voted to advance the Women's Health Protection Act, which would establish a federal statutory right to provide and receive abortion services.[12]

Voting record

A selection of notable recorded votes. Not a complete record.

In their words