A Democrat senator has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke and undergoing “decompressive surgery to ease swelling,” according to a statement from his chief of staff.
Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) was hospitalized on January 27th after suffering a stroke, according to a statement released by his office late on February 1st.
“Early Thursday morning, Senator Luján began experiencing dizziness and fatigue. He checked himself into Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Santa Fe,” Carlos Sanchez, the senator’s chief of staff, said in a statement released via email. “He was then transferred to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque for further evaluation. Senator Luján was found to have suffered a stroke in the cerebellum, affecting his balance. As part of his treatment plan, he subsequently underwent decompressive surgery to ease swelling.”
“He is currently being cared for at UNM Hospital, resting comfortably, and expected to make a full recovery,” the statement continued. “The Senator’s offices remain open and will continue providing constituent services to all New Mexicans without any interruption. The Senator and his family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at both UNM Hospital and Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital for their excellent care during this time. Senator Luján looks forward to getting back to work for the people of New Mexico. At this time, he and his family would appreciate their privacy, and ask for your continued prayers and well wishes.”
— Senator Ben Ray Luján (@SenatorLujan) February 1, 2022
The Wall Street Journal reported that while Luján is absent from the Senate, there will only be 49 Democrat senators, which will make “passing any party-line nominations difficult, including President Biden’s Supreme Court pick, as well as any legislation that needs full support from Democrats.”
Senator Luján was sworn into office earlier this year. Prior to becoming senator, he served as a Representative for New Mexico’s Third Congressional District.
