Ben Lujan — Democrat Candidate for U.S. Senate in New Mexico, 2026

Senator Ben Lujan voted against funding packages for the Department of Homeland Security, citing the need for accountability and reforms within DHS and ICE. He champions comprehensive immigration reform, advocating for an earned pathway to legal immigration and modern border security without excessive spending. Lujan supports commitments to DREAMers, TPS recipients, asylum seekers, and refugees, calling for expanded Temporary Protected Status and faster DACA renewals, guided by principles of compassion and a fair system.

““The American people saw with their own eyes a U.S. citizen shot and killed by President Trump’s federal agents. Yet this administration continues to lie and cover up what happened. What must happen now: a full and independent investigation; Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller must resign or be fired; and not another dollar for Noem’s DHS without real accountability.” – Sen. Ben Ray Luján, Jan. 24, 2026”

Senator Ben Lujan has criticized Republican actions against extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits, arguing that their expiration would lead to increased health care costs for millions of Americans. He emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable health care for families and supported a Democratic proposal aimed at protecting affordability and access. Lujan also joined Senate Democrats in pushing for a vote to extend these expiring subsidies, citing affordability as a core principle.

““Just days before ACA tax credits are set to expire — and health care costs spike for Americans across the country — Republicans chose to ignore the affordability crisis they created.” - U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Luján Statement on Republicans Voting Against Keeping Health Care Costs Down for Millions of Americans, lujan.senate.gov.”

Senator Ben Ray Luján has advocated for protecting public lands, working to increase funding for conservation projects, preserving acequias, and prohibiting oil and gas extraction leases around Chaco Canyon. He is a longtime champion of climate action and environmental justice, having bipartisan legislation signed into law to plug abandoned oil and gas wells. He also secured funding for solar and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and sponsored the Low-Carbon Construction Material Rebate Act.

Ben Lujan voted against the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act and supported the Women’s Health Protection Act to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law. He has stated his commitment to reproductive health care and received endorsements from organizations like CHC BOLD PAC and Population Connection Action, which advocate for reproductive rights.

“While Senate Republicans stood in the way of protecting reproductive rights, I was proud to stand up for the majority of New Mexicans – and all Americans – who support Roe. This fight isn’t over, and I know that my colleagues and I remain committed to supporting reproductive health care.” – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), LegiStorm.com”

Ben Lujan voted to end the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force and supported legislation opposing unnecessary conflicts with Iran. He also voted to withdraw U.S. forces from Yemen. Lujan voted to monitor forced Uyghur labor in Xinjiang and supported maintaining World Bank funding as part of multilateralism, emphasizing Congress's role in foreign policy. He also demonstrates a commitment to the U.S.-Israel bond and strengthening NATO.

Ben Ray Luján supports initiatives to improve access to education, including advocating for federal approval of New Mexico's $382 million broadband plan, which aims to expand internet access for educational opportunities. He has also expressed support for dismantling high costs associated with higher education and sponsored measures to extend subsidized federal student loan rates.

““I’m proud to announce the federal approval of New Mexico’s historic $382 million broadband plan, a major step toward achieving 100% connectivity across New Mexico. I helped pass the bipartisan law that created BEAD and have fought to protect it so New Mexico receives the resources our communities need and deserve. [...] This investment will deliver reliable, affordable high-speed internet to rural, Tribal, and underserved communities, expanding access to education, health care, and economic opportunity across our state. It’s critical that these investments are put to work without delay.” - Senator Ben Ray Luján, press release on lujan.senate.gov”

Senator Ben Ray Luján supports gun safety legislation, including universal background checks and red-flag laws, and has advocated for eliminating the filibuster to pass such measures. He emphasizes that preventing gun violence and keeping communities safe is a top priority, distinguishing gun violence from solely a mental health issue. Senator Luján was endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety in June 2020 and Giffords PAC in February 2026.

““I’m grateful for the support of my friend and former colleague Gabby, whose strength and perseverance continue to inspire us all,” said Senator Luján. “Preventing gun violence, saving lives, and keeping our communities safe must be a top priority. Congress has to do more, and that’s why it’s critical that Democrats take back the House and Senate. I was proud to serve alongside Gabby in the House, and I’m proud to stand with her today in the fight to end gun violence. From our schools to places of worship, all New Mexicans deserve to live free from the fear of senseless gun violence.” (Senator Luján, Giffords.org, February 2026)”