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Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) underwent surgery last week after suffering a stroke and is expected to make a full recovery, his top aide revealed Tuesday.
Luján’s chief of staff Carlos Sanchez said the 49-year-old was “resting comfortably” at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque.
According to Sanchez, Luján checked himself into a Santa Fe hospital Jan. 27 after experiencing dizziness and fatigue. He was later transferred to the Albuquerque hospital and found to have suffered “a stroke in the cerebellum, affecting his balance,” according to Sanchez.
The statement added that Luján underwent “decompressive surgery” to ease brain swelling.
“Senator Luján looks forward to getting back to work for the people of New Mexico,” Sanchez said. “At this time, he and his family would appreciate their privacy, and ask for your continued prayers and well wishes.”
Due to Luján’s absence, there are only a maximum of 49 Democratic senators available to vote, which could potentially delay movement on nominations. Unlike the House of Representatives, the Senate does not employ proxy voting.
“My thoughts are with Senator Ben Ray Luján and his family,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said in a statement. “I’m so glad to hear that he will make a full recovery. We look forward to his quick return to the Senate.”
Luján was elected to the Senate in 2020 after spending 12 years in the House of Representatives. He is the son of former New Mexico House Speaker Ben Luján.
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