Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a trailblazing American politician and member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, has died at age 92. The Democrat-turned-Republican lawmaker, whose career culminated in the U.S. Senate, passed away on Dec. 30 at his Colorado ranch, surrounded by family, his daughter confirmed.
Campbell was a prominent figure in Colorado and national politics — one of the most distinctive voices in Congress during his time.
Born on April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell had a varied life before entering politics, including service in the U.S. Air Force, competition as a judo Olympian, and success as a jewelry designer whose work was featured at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Campbell served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1987–1993) and two terms in the U.S. Senate (1993–2005), representing Colorado.
He was elected as a Democrat but switched to the Republican Party in 1995, surprising both Democratic leaders and voters in Colorado. At the time, he was openly frustrated with Democrats over the Senate’s decision to block a balanced-budget amendment.
Looking back, he said the switch did not alter his core positions or legislative behavior. He maintained that his voting record remained consistent, noting that he had a strong record on labor issues as a Democrat and continued that same approach as a Republican, along with his positions on minority and women’s issues.
During his tenure, he was the only Native American in the U.S. Senate and later became the first Native American to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
Campbell championed Native American issues, helped elevate the Great Sand Dunes National Monument to national park status, and played a key role in establishing the National Museum of the American Indian.
He remained in the Senate until 2005, after narrowly losing reelection to Democrat Ken Salazar, earning a reputation as an independent voice who often crossed party lines.
After leaving the Senate, Campbell largely withdrew from public life, returning to his ranch and continuing his work in art and craftsmanship.
Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum following news of his death, with leaders praising his integrity, cultural pride, and decades of public service.
Campbell is survived by his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
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