becomes first Hispanic senator from N. M. in more than 40 years
WASHINGTON,, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., was sworn in to serve as the next U.S. senator from New Mexico, taking the seat formerly held by Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. who did not run in the latest election. Following his swearing-in ceremony, Luján highlighted his priorities to address the COVID-19 pandemic and put New Mexico’s economy on the path to recovery.
“I am humbled to serve as New Mexicans’ voice in the U.S. Senate, and I thank voters for entrusting me with this immense responsibility. I understand the importance of being responsive to my constituents, speaking directly and objectively, and acting with courage. I will always listen to my fellow New Mexicans and look forward to learning from them.
“I follow in the footsteps of giants like Tom Udall, D-N.M., Pete Domenici, R-N.M., Jeff Bingaman,D-N.M., and Dennis Chavez, D-N.M. Their example will serve as my North Star as I work in a bipartisan manner to find common-sense solutions that benefit all New Mexicans.
“With our state facing an unprecedented public health and economic crisis, I will act with urgency to support struggling families, small businesses, and communities. Working together, we can ensure that New Mexico’s brightest days are in front of us.”
Luján is the first Hispanic to represent New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since Joseph Montoya, D-N.M., who served from 1964 to 1977. Prior to his election to the Senate, Luján served as congressman for New Mexico’s Third Congressional District and the U.S. House Assistant Speaker during the 116th Congress. He grew up in Nambé, a small farming community north of Santa Fe, bordered by the Nambé and Pojoaque Pueblos.
