Democratic Senator Luján of New Mexico Suffers a Stroke at Age 49

Hispanic senator

Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico suffered a stroke and was hospitalized last week, his office revealed in an announcement that has sent shock waves through the 50-50 Senate.

The 49-year-old Democrat checked himself into a hospital in Santa Fe on Thursday (Jan. 27) after he began to experience dizziness and fatigue, according to his chief of staff, who said Lujan is expected to make a full recovery.

His chief of staff, Carlos Sanchez, said the senator was then transferred to a hospital in Albuquerque for further evaluation.

Lujan had posted tweets to his account as recently as late last year encouraging others to get vaccinated and boosted. The senator received his first shot in December 2020. Part of the caption of his vax proof photo was, “There is nothing to fear about getting vaccinated to protect yourself from this deadly disease.”

Lujan Statement on Hospitalization

Albuquerque, N.M. – Carlos Sanchez, Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), issued the following statement:

“Early Thursday morning, Senator Lujan began experiencing dizziness and fatigue. He checked himself into Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Santa Fe. He was then transferred to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque for further evaluation. Senator Lujan was found to have suffered a stroke in the cerebellum, affecting his balance. As part of his treatment plan, he subsequently underwent decompressive surgery to ease swelling.

“He is currently being cared for at UNM hospital, resting comfortably, and expected to make a full recovery. The Senator’s offices remain open and will continue providing constituent services to all New Mexicans without any interruption. The Senator and his family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at both UNM Hospital and Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital for their excellent care during this time. Senator Lujan looks forward to getting back to work for the people of New Mexico. At this time, he and his family would appreciate their privacy, and ask for your continued prayers and well wishes.”

Lujan is the first Hispanic Senator to represent New Mexico in more than 40 years.

Being obese, he can be considered at high risk of getting a stroke.