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Ben R. Luján

Democratic candidate for United States Senator, New Mexico · Incumbent

U.S. Senator from New Mexico (incumbent)

Ben Ray Luján is the Democratic incumbent U.S. Senator from New Mexico. He was first elected to the Senate in 2020 and took office in 2021. Before that he served 12 years as U.S. Representative for New Mexico's 3rd District and was elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission in 2004. He is running for a second Senate term against Republican Larry Marker in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Where Luján stands

Cost of living: Says tariffs and the war in Iran are driving up prices. Says he will push policies to lower costs, invest in roads and broadband, and support industries that create jobs across New Mexico.
Tariffs: Says targeted tariffs can level the playing field but opposes the Trump administration's broad tariffs. Argues they have raised prices and cost New Mexicans more than $1,800 on average last year.
Health care: Supports restoring Medicaid funding and the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits cut in the 2025 reconciliation law. Says health care is a human right and backs Medicare drug-price negotiation.
Nutrition assistance: Opposes recent federal cuts to food assistance and says he is leading a Senate effort to reverse them.
Data centers: Says data centers should not use drinking or farm water, should produce their own power instead of drawing from the grid, and should not raise New Mexicans' electricity bills.
Military installations: Says he secured $88.1 million for Cannon Air Force Base last year. Pledges to keep Cannon as an Air Force Special Operations base and to increase investment there.
Family caregiving: Is sponsoring federal legislation to give more support to families caring for loved ones at home.
Rural representation: Says he grew up in and still lives in rural Nambé. Pledges investment in all 33 counties, including health care close to home, schools and infrastructure.
Foreign policy: Says he was among the first Democrats to support efforts to block weapons sales to the Netanyahu government.

Background

U.S. Senator from New Mexico, 2021–present
U.S. Representative, New Mexico's 3rd District, 2009–2021 (12 years)
Elected to the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, 2004
Lives on a small farm in Nambé, New Mexico

In the news

Election 2026: Ben Ray Luján seeks reelection to the U.S. Senate KUNM, October 19, 2026
Marker challenges Lujan for Senate seat The Eastern New Mexico News, October 13, 2026
US Sen. Ben Ray Luján faces long-shot challenge from Republican Larry Marker in reelection bid Albuquerque Journal, October 9, 2026
Sen. Ben Ray Luján points to inflation as key issue ahead of 2026 election KOB 4, October 7, 2026
Luján outlines priorities as he seeks another term in U.S. Senate KRQE (via Yahoo News), October 6, 2026

Also running for United States Senator

Larry E. Marker Republican

Sources

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.