Ben Ray Luján

Where Luján stands

Grouped by topic by Vote Book; headings and quoted words are the candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Immigration & border

What changes to immigration laws, if any, would you recommend or support?

The United States has not significantly updated its immigration laws since the 1980s, which is why I have long championed comprehensive immigration reform to address our broken immigration system and create an earned pathway for legal immigration. I support legislation like the DREAM Act to provide a legal pathway for Dreamers, the SECURE Act, which provides qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients a path to legal permanent residency, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act to reform and modernize our temporary agricultural worker visa program. I am also a proponent of modern and effective border security that uses technology rather than walls to keep out narcotics and the cartels.

Social Security & Medicare

What measures do you propose to sustain the Social Security Trust Fund?

New Mexicans spend their lives paying into Social Security, and they deserve to know that the program will be there to support them upon retirement. As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, I know Social Security benefits are a vital lifeline for retirees and people with disabilities. Social Security must be protected from cuts and Republican-led efforts to reduce benefits. I was proud to support the Social Security Fairness Act and see it enacted into law. This bill repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which currently reduce benefits for certain recipients. I’m also proud to support the Social Security 2100 Act, which eliminates the Social Security tax cap.

Health care

What, if anything, should Congress do to ensure quality healthcare at an affordable cost?

Health care is a human right, not a privilege for the few. The Affordable Care Act that voted for in 2009 made critical reforms that expanded New Mexicans access to care. I continue to fight against the attempts to rip health care away by repealing the ACA and gutting Medicaid. I am also a co-sponsor of Medicare for All because every single person deserves high-quality health care when they need it, no matter how much money they make. Access to health care means being able to afford it, which is why I voted to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices so seniors and American taxpayers stop being overcharged.

Energy & environment

What actions, if any, would you take to address water and air quality issues facing the United States?

Growing up on a small family farm in New Mexico, I learned early that water is life. That is why I believe we must ensure our federal laws respect our ways of life and treat water as the life-giving resource it is. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I introduced legislation like the ACEQUIAS Act to ensure farmers and ranchers qualify for drought disaster assistance, and legislation to guarantee greater federal respect for our traditional land grants and acequias. I also believe we have a duty to support responsible, clean energy policies that protect our environment, improve our air quality, and encourage innovation. I’ll continue to ensure that New Mexico is a leader in the clean energy economy, benefiting our families.

Public lands

I strongly oppose broad efforts to sell off public lands, as well as efforts to restrict access or impose barriers.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

How would you address your highest priorities?

Across our state, families are feeling the squeeze as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise. Reckless tariffs are driving up prices and making it harder for hardworking New Mexicans to put food on the table. I will be a relentless advocate for policies that bring down costs and put families first. I also remain steadfast in the fight to ensure that every New Mexican has access to high-quality, affordable health care. And I will continue working to grow our local economy by supporting the diverse industries that create jobs across the state and investing in infrastructure that improves our roads and delivers reliable broadband.

Tariffs

Tariffs, when applied strategically, can help ensure a level playing field. But the sweeping tariffs put in place by the Trump administration have raised the price of everything.

Foreign policy

Iran war

I’ve opposed President Trump’s war since day one. It’s weakened our alliances, emboldened our adversaries, and driven up costs here at home.

Elections, ethics & government

Voter ID / elections

I’m open to commonsense voter protections, but President Trump has said the SAVE Act would “guarantee” Republicans win the midterms and keep them from losing an election “for 50 years.”

Congressional stock trading

I support a ban on Congressional stock trading, and I do not own or trade individual stocks.

Technology & AI

Artificial intelligence

I’ve introduced legislation to establish guardrails, support a select committee on AI, and believe states should be able to enforce protections.

Background & priorities

What qualifies you for this office?

I dedicated my career to improving the lives of those in New Mexico, whether fighting to create good-paying jobs for hardworking New Mexican men and women, increasing access to quality, affordable health care, and protecting New Mexico’s natural resources. I’ve proudly represented New Mexico in the U.S. Senate since 2021, where I’ve worked every day to lower costs, strengthen public safety, protect food assistance and affordable health care, expand broadband, and invest in New Mexico’s future. Prior to the U.S. Senate, I was proud to serve as a member of the House of Representatives for over 10 years, including as chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and as the Assistant Speaker of the House.

Other priorities

Federal programs

As reported (not a direct quote): Cited his work to expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act and to secure funding for Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak wildfire victims.