Who Is Running for Senate in New Mexico in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Ben Lujan
(Incumbent)Economy
HighSenator Ben Lujan opposed President Trump's 2026 budget request, specifically criticizing proposed cuts to workforce training programs and small business administration funding. He also voted against President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which included middle-class tax cuts and policies related to American energy. Lujan aims to build an economy that works for everyone and ensures every New Mexican has the opportunity to thrive, advocating for trade policies that prioritize American workers and national security.
Immigration
HighSenator 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.
Healthcare
HighSenator 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.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Ben Lujan |
|---|---|
| Economy | Senator Ben Lujan opposed President Trump's 2026 budget request, specifically criticizing proposed cuts to workforce training programs and small business administration funding. He also voted against President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which included middle-class tax cuts and policies related to American energy. Lujan aims to build an economy that works for everyone and ensures every New Mexican has the opportunity to thrive, advocating for trade policies that prioritize American workers and national security. High |
| Immigration | 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. High |
| Healthcare | 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. High |
| Climate & Energy | 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. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | 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. High |
| Foreign Policy | 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. Medium |
| Education | 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. High |
| Gun Policy | 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. High |
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