Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján Hospitalized for Stroke
New Mexico lawmaker’s absence leaves Democrats short of a crucial vote in Senate while he recovers
Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico is expected to make a full recovery after suffering a stroke.
By Natalie Andrews Wall Street Journal Feb. 1, 2022WASHINGTON— Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D., N.M.) suffered a stroke and had surgery to ease swelling in his brain, his top aide said Tuesday, leaving Democrats short of a crucial vote in the 50-50 Senate while he recovers. Mr. Luján is currently at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque being evaluated, said Carlos Sanchez, his chief of staff, in a statement. The stroke was in his cerebellum and was affecting his balance, which led to the decompressive surgery, Mr. Sanchez said.
“He is currently being cared for at UNM Hospital, resting comfortably, and expected to make a full recovery,” Mr. Sanchez said. Mr. Luján, 49 years old, first started experiencing symptoms of dizziness and fatigue last Thursday, Mr. Sanchez said. Mr. Sanchez didn’t say when Mr. Luján would return to the Senate, just that he looked forward to getting back to work. While Mr. Luján is absent from the Senate, there will be just 49 senators in the Democratic caucus, making passing any party-line nominations difficult, including President Biden’s expected Supreme Court pick, as well as any legislation that needs full support from Democrats.
Democrats have expressed concerns over their thin control of the Senate, which often forces Vice President Kamala Harris to come to the Capitol to break a tie. Ms. Harris has broken 15 ties in her first year in the position. “We’re all praying for Ben Ray and his family,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) said. “We look forward to his quick return to the Senate, and I believe the Senate will be able to carry forward with its business.”
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, the Senate has faced absences that have at times thrown off the schedule. Last month, Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii was out with the coronavirus as Democrats mounted an effort to change the Senate’s filibuster rules. Currently, GOP Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah is quarantining with Covid-19.
Separately, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D., Md.) said he has tested positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms. In the House, unlike in the Senate, lawmakers can vote by proxy and don’t have to be physically present at the Capitol.
Mr. Luján’s absence could make it harder for Democrats to confirm Mr. Biden’s ambassadors and other nominees. Mr. Biden is expected to name his pick for the Supreme Court at the end of this month. Mr. Luján was elected to the Senate in 2020, after serving his state in the House of Representatives since 2009. He grew up in Nambé, a small farming community north of Santa Fe, and has been involved in politics for most of his adult life.