“New Mexico is no stranger to strong women trailblazers such as Esther Martinez, who fought to preserve indigenous languages, Georgia O'Keefe, who skillfully captured New Mexico's picturesque landscapes, and Pablita Velarde, who used her paintings to highlight the beauty of Pueblo life.”

American politician

Ben Ray Luján is an American politician serving as the junior United States senator from New Mexico since 2021. A progressive Democrat, he previously represented New Mexico’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2021. He also served as assistant speaker from 2019 to 2021. His public record is rooted in elected office, first in the House and then in the Senate, with his political identity described as progressive within the Democratic Party.