Former Senator Dies At 92

Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado has passed away.

He was 92.

“Campbell represented Colorado in the Senate for two terms after serving in the House of Representatives and the state legislature,” according to The Colorado Sun.

Campbell served in the Senate from 1993 to 2005.

He was originally a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1995.

“The Colorado Republican Party mourns the passing of former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a historic figure in Colorado and American politics. Senator Campbell dedicated his life to public service, representing Colorado in both the U.S. House and Senate and becoming one of the few Native Americans ever elected to the United States Senate,” the Colorado Republican Party wrote.

“He was a decorated Air Force veteran, a champion for Native American communities, and a respected voice for Colorado on the national stage. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and all those who were impacted by his remarkable life and service. Senator Campbell’s legacy of independence, service, and leadership will be remembered with respect and gratitude,” it added.

The Colorado Republican Party mourns the passing of former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a historic figure in Colorado and American politics.

Senator Campbell dedicated his life to public service, representing Colorado in both the U.S. House and Senate and becoming one… pic.twitter.com/l4osdn7Tgu

— Colorado Republican Party (@cologop) December 31, 2025

More from The Colorado Sun:

He served as chair of the Committee on Indian Affairs until the end of his second term in January 2005.

Campbell was the first Native American to chair the committee and the only Native American to serve in the Senate during his two terms.

A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell stumbled into his political career almost by chance, said former Colorado GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams, who ran the organization from 2007 to 2011.

Wadhams said Campbell walked into a Democratic meeting in Durango and walked out as a nominee for state representative.

Campbell recalled the meeting in July during an interview with The Colorado Sun at his dining room table with his wife, Linda, at their ranch near Ignacio.

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“They asked, this guy said, ‘I’m busy,’ this one said, ‘I’m sick,’ that one said, ‘I can’t do it,’ so I wasn’t their best choice, I was the only one left,” Campbell said.

“Colorado lost a true legend in former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. A proud Northern Cheyenne, Olympian, veteran, and trailblazing leader who championed our great state,” Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) said.

“He and his beloved wife Linda were pioneers for Colorado and built a legacy of strength, service, and innovation that will inspire generations to come,” she added.

Colorado lost a true legend in former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell. A proud Northern Cheyenne, Olympian, veteran, and trailblazing leader who championed our great state.

He and his beloved wife Linda were pioneers for Colorado and built a legacy of strength, service, and… pic.twitter.com/2ulWHenNpT

— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) December 31, 2025

Fox News shared further:

Campbell was known for his passionate advocacy of Native American issues as well as his dress attire, which included cowboy boots, bolo ties and a ponytail.

He was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and said his ancestors were among more than 150 Native Americans, mostly women, children and elderly men, killed by U.S. soldiers while camped under a flag of truce on Nov. 29, 1864. He helped sponsor legislation to upgrade the Great Sand Dunes National Monument in southern Colorado, where the killings happened, to a national park.

Campbell was also a strong supporter of children’s rights, organized labor and fiscal conservatism.

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A renowned master jeweler, Campbell has designs displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.

“He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado. I will not forget his acts of kindness. He will be sorely missed,” Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, said on X.

Colorado Democrat Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Campbell’s service.

“He will be missed here in Colorado and across the country, and his contributions leave a lasting legacy to our state and nation,” Polis said on X.

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