Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, who represented Colorado and was known for his advocacy of Native American issues, died on Tuesday, according to his loved ones.
The Associated Press reported that Campbell died of natural causes and was surrounded by his family when he passed away. He was 92 years old.
Before getting involved in politics, Campbell served in the Air Force in Korea from 1951 to 1953, according to records with the Bibliographical Directory of the U.S. Congress. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University in 1957.
Campbell also went to Meiji University in Tokyo from 1960 to 1964. He was the captain of the U.S. judo team in the 1964 Olympics and won a gold medal in the Pan American Games.
Several elected officials took took social media to honor Campbell after they learned of his death.
Sen. Ben Ray Luján, who represents New Mexico, was among them. He praised Campbell for spending “his life standing up for Tribal nations and Tribal sovereignty.”
“As the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in over 60 years and the first Native American to chair the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, he fought to advance federal policy that upheld the dignity and security of Tribes across the country and all Americans,” Luján wrote on X. He is also the reason why U.S. Senators are allowed to wear bolo ties on the Senate floor. My prayers are with his family and all who were blessed to know him.”
Rep. Lauren Boebert, who currently represents Colorado, shared similar sentiments.
“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,” she wrote on X.
“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.
Former U.S. Senator and Congressman Cory Gardner described Campbell as “a true icon of the United States Senate.” He also said Campbell was a “fearless” public servant.
“He taught me so much about our state — I am forever grateful to he and his family,” Gardner wrote on X. “From my time as a staffer, working on ALP, AVC, Sand Dunes, and more, to seeking his advice and counsel in Congress, Sen. Campbell was gracious and kind, always willing to lend an ear and sound advice. Thank you for giving so much to us all — our state and nation will miss you.”
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