Ben Ray Lujan in 2020 NM Senatorial race
On Technology:
Hailed $165 million for rural broadband in New Mexico
Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich along with Representatives Ben Ray Lujan, Deb Haaland and Xochitl Torres Small, hailed the announcement that 18 cable companies, satellite businesses, electrical cooperatives, and wireless providers in
New Mexico have won nearly $165 million from the Federal Communications Commission's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. The utilities received the funding for a 10-year period to provide broadband access in 64,170 locations in New Mexico.
Source: Haaland press release on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Dec 11, 2020
On Abortion:
Roe v. Wade is law of the land; should not be overturned
A moderator pressed the candidates on whether they support overturning Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court's 1973 decision that established abortion rights nationwide. Ronchetti said "it's a very difficult question to answer only because
you don't know what the case will be." Luj n said the Roe v. Wade decision is "the law of the land and should not be overturned."
Source: Franklin IN Daily Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
On Health Care:
Cancer diagnosis shouldn't lead to bankruptcy or home loss
Luj n touted his support in Congress for the Affordable Care Act that has expanded health insurance coverage in New Mexico and his track record in securing federal funding for defense installations and water infrastructure projects on the
Navajo Nation. "I was leading to protect people with preexisting conditions because a cancer diagnosis should not lead to bankruptcy or losing your home," he said.
Source: Franklin IN Daily Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
On Jobs:
Republicans blocking bills to end pay discrimination
Luj n accused Republicans of standing in the way of legislation to end pay discrimination against women, and noted his support for legislation to defend
LGBTQ rights."We need to bring that moral compass again and be leaders like we were before President Trump," Luj n said.
Source: Franklin IN Daily Journal on 2020 New Mexico Senate debate
Oct 6, 2020
On Crime:
Voted for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
Q: Restrict police use of force and increase public oversight?Ben Ray Lujan: Yes. Voted for George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 "to provide justice for
victims of police brutality."
Mark Ronchetti: No. Believes "police officers are good people risking their lives to protect our community and have earned our support."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Drugs:
Co-sponsored federal decriminalization of marijuana bill
Q: Keep marijuana illegal or decriminalize?
Ben Ray Lujan: Decriminalize. Co-sponsored bill to federally decriminalize. Pushed bill to remove marijuana as a deportable offense.
Mark Ronchetti: No position found.
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Tax Reform:
Voted against 2017 tax cuts as fiscally irresponsible
Q: Support administration's $1.9 trillion (2017) tax cuts?Ben Ray Lujan: No. Voted against the tax cuts as "an example of fiscal irresponsibility [that] is skewed against American families."
Mark Ronchetti: No position found. Against government implementing "higher taxes and reaching deeper into our lives."
Source: CampusElect survey of 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Sep 30, 2020
On Abortion:
Ensure that abortion remains safe and legal
Abortion is a key part of women's health, equality, and economic security. But politicians continue to pass laws with the goal of making it more difficult--if not impossible--for women to get an abortion.
We need to protect women's health and ensure that abortion remains safe and legal. Medical decisions should be made by patients and doctors, not politicians.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Voted for Equality Act, expanded Violence Against Women Act
One of the proudest moments I had serving in Congress is when I voted for both the Equality Act and an expanded Violence Against Women Act that included real protections for LGBTQ+ women. The Equality Act, which is legislation that congressional
Democrats have championed for years, bans discrimination in housing, education, the workforce, and other aspects of everyday life for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Civil Rights:
Create true partnerships with Tribal communities
To create true partnerships with Tribal communities, it is incumbent that our governments recognize the pain and indignities Native Americans have suffered through racist policies that linger to this day. We must continue providing recourse for those
injustices as a guiding principle. This is done by listening to Tribal elders and communities and showing respect and appreciation for the culture, public service, and contributions of Native Americans in every facet of our state and history.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Crime:
End for-profit prisons, cash bail, mandatory minimums
It is my strong belief that corporations should not profit from human suffering. I've rejected private prison money in my Senate race and support ending for-profit prisons. Creating a more just criminal justice system begins with our courts.
We must end the unfair and discriminatory cash bail system that punishes lower-income individuals with prolonged detention. We must trust judges to distribute equal and fair verdicts by ending the use of mandatory minimums--an inherently racist policy.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Drugs:
Change approach to minor non-violent marijuana arrests
We must also change our country's approach to marijuana convictions. While violent offenders should be judiciously apprehended, we cannot continue to support a justice system that robs young people of a future because of minor, non-violent marijuana
arrests. I support legislation to vacate minor marijuana convictions nationwide, which will give young people and minor offenders new opportunities to work and contribute to their communities.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Drugs:
Hold opioid manufacturers accountable for role in epidemic
I was successful in securing more than $1 billion dollars in nationwide funding to combat the opioid epidemic. I will continue holding opioid manufacturers accountable for their role in pumping unnecessary prescription
drugs into our communities and will not rest until mothers, fathers, and families are no longer losing their children and loved ones to a substance use disorder.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Education:
Dismantle skyrocketing costs of higher education
Currently, a college education is out of reach for far too many or it leaves young people saddled with unmanageable debt for decades. This must change. I am a proud supporter of multiple pieces of legislation designed to dismantle the skyrocketing costs
of higher education. Despite a growing economy, I know we still need greater resources to encourage young people to build their lives and careers in New Mexico through technical training and apprenticeships.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Invest in and expand renewable energy projects
Our energy sector is a major driver of economic opportunities in New Mexico. We must aggressively invest in an energy sector that expands renewable energy projects. We have an opportunity to lead the country in renewable
energy production and hire thousands of New Mexicans in the process. This is not an investment we can afford not to make in our state.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Energy & Oil:
Highest-ranking co-sponsor of the Green New Deal
Highest-ranking co-sponsor of the Green New Deal--a bold effort to transition the United States to a clean energy future, take decisive actions to combat the climate crisis, and promote environmental justice. Championed the Clean Energy Standard Act,
legislation that will put the United States on a path toward net-zero emissions by the 2050s, increase the production of renewable resources by more than 25 percentage points, and prevent 30,000 premature deaths from air pollution in the U.S.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Foreign Policy:
Congress should reassert authority over foreign policy
Congress should reassert its authority to oversee and conduct oversight of our nation's foreign policy. In this Congress, I voted for an amendment to finally retire the 2001 Authorization of the Use of Military Force, which has been used to justify war
and military actions in the Middle East for far too long. To protect future generations from an endless cycle of unsupported conflict, I believe that any future AUMFs must include a sunset clause and a clear and specific expression of objectives.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Free Trade:
Reckless trade wars have raised prices on everyday items
We must approach our relationships with allies and trading partners responsibly, with strong policies that protect the American worker, labor standards, and the environment. I've only supported trade plans that put our economy and national
security first. Trump is attempting to undermine both with his reckless trade wars with China, Mexico, and other countries that have only hurt New Mexican families by raising prices on everyday items like food products, technology, and other household go
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Supports $100 million to expand children's healthcare
Where you live shouldn't determine how well you live--especially not for our children. My Child Health Outreach and Mentorship Program Act helps states enroll more children in health care coverage by expanding the outreach and enrollment grant program.
Specifically, the bill authorizes $100 million in federal funding for CHIP outreach and enrollment grants dedicated to providing more children with health coverage.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Increased funding for birth control and related services
The widespread use of contraceptives has been the driving force in reducing unintended pregnancies. Family planning has also improved maternal and child health and helps women participate fully and equally in society.
I am proud to have fought for the largest-ever funding increase to the Title X program--the only federal grant program dedicated solely to providing individuals with birth control and related preventive health services.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Health Care:
Co-sponsor of Medicare for All
I voted in favor of the ACA and have fought hard to defend it from Republican repeal efforts. I will continue to fight to improve the ACA, to lower the cost of coverage, and to increase access to high-quality doctors. I am a co-sponsor of
Medicare for All--because Congress must send a strong statement to the health care industry that things need to change--now. I support giving Medicare the ability to negotiate lower drug prices.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Key mission to fight for veterans access to health care
Protecting health care, supporting quality and safe housing needs, and creating programs to help veterans secure meaningful work are all critical to uplifting veterans. I have made it a key mission to fight for access to health care for our veterans.
I have held the Albuquerque VA accountable for failing to provide our veterans with timely and high-quality care. I have worked with the Trump administration to make the VA Choice program work better for all of our rural veterans.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Homeland Security:
Reverse past & present LGBTQ discrimination in military
I support the Restore Honor to Service Members Act, which would mandate reviews of the status of any former United States Armed Service members who were discharged because of their sexual orientation. When the Trump administration sought to
ban transgender individuals from serving in the United States Armed Forces, I joined with colleagues to demand a reversal of this bigoted and hateful policy that put our national security at risk.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Immigration:
Comprehensive immigration reform must be fair and just
Our immigration policies must be crafted with compassion, commonsense, and a sense of reality. I have long-championed comprehensive immigration reform and have used my position as the highest-ranking
Hispanic in Congress to give voice to the urgent need to address our broken immigration laws. Our immigration system must be fair and just, encourage legal immigration, and welcoming toward those of all backgrounds, religions, and races.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Immigration:
Pathway to citizenship for DREAMers
I was proud to support the American Dream and Promise Act to provide security and a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers--the young individuals who are American in every way but on paper. We should advance policies that welcome DREAMers,
TPS [Temporary Protected Status] recipients, migrants, and refugees because we know that our country is made better because of its diversity.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Jobs:
Unions built the middle class in our country
I was born into a proud union household--one that always understood that working people and unions built the middle class in our country. Throughout my tenure in Congress, and if elected to the U.S. Senate,
I will pursue policies that support working people by directing investments into New Mexico and finding new ways to grow our state's economy.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Jobs:
Raise the minimum wage, lower taxes for working families
I also believe in creating an economy that works for the American worker. Far too often, we've seen the deck stacked against workers who are trying to build a life for themselves in New Mexico. This is why I support raising the minimum wage,
enacting tax policies that put more money back in the pockets of New Mexico's working families, and protecting the right to form unions and negotiate for better pay and benefits.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Technology:
LIFT America Act: $17 billion for energy infrastructure
A sweeping infrastructure package will boost the middle-class while repairing our country's crumbling roads, schools, hospitals, and electric systems and jumpstarting our transition to a green energy economy. As a core component of any infrastructure
package, I've championed legislation to invest in broadband infrastructure to connect rural communities with high-speed Internet. Democrats' LIFT America Act--legislation I've advocated for--will invest more than $17 billion for energy infrastructure.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Welfare & Poverty:
End "lunch shaming" for students who can't afford lunch
New Mexico proudly ended the cruel practice of lunch shaming but students across the country are still forced to go hungry or are ostracized if they are unable to afford a school lunch. We are the richest nation in the world and must end this practice.
The data is clear: Children cannot learn when they are hungry and they cannot succeed when they are sick. This is why I've continued to champion the No Shame Act to end this senseless policy.
Source: 2020 New Mexico Senate campaign website BenRayLujan .com
Jul 8, 2020
On Government Reform:
No campaign money from NRA, nor other company lobbyists
[Lujan's opponent, Secretary of State] Maggie Toulouse Oliver also said her campaign will not take money from oil companies, executives or affiliated political action committees. She ruled out taking money from the pharmaceutical industry, too, or from
the National Rifle Association or tobacco companies. Ben Ray Lujan has said he will not take money from the NRA, either, or from private prison companies or major oil companies.
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 24, 2019
On Principles & Values:
Assistant Speaker of US House; son of speaker of NM House
Ben Ray Lujan launched his campaign [for U.S. Senate] at the beginning of the month. Son of a former speaker of the state House,
Ben Ray Lujan, a past member of the Public Regulation Commission, was first elected in 2008 and has risen quickly through Democratic leadership, becoming assistant speaker this year.
Source: Santa Fe New Mexican on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Apr 24, 2019
On Civil Rights:
Graded "A" by Center for Freethought Equality
The Center for Freethought Equality, the 501(c)4 sister advocacy organization of the American Humanist Association, released its scorecard of the members of the
US House of Representatives of the 114th Congress. Ben Ray Lujan received an A demonstrating strong support for church/state separation.
Source: Los Alamos Daily Post on 2020 New Mexico Senate race
Aug 25, 2016
Page last updated: Dec 27, 2020