Ben is very proud of his family. His father worked hard and long as a union ironworker to provide for all his children. Ben’s mother, Carmen, is like many strong, hard-working women in America – she is the cornerstone and anchor of her family, providing her children with the strength, courage and guidance to become solid, contributing members of their communities. In 1972, the elder Lujan decided to run for public office and was elected to the Santa Fe County Commission. It was a pivotal decision that ultimately led to a vocation of public service on behalf of the people of New Mexico. Today, Ben’s father serves as Speaker of the New Mexico House of Representatives and is one of the very last blue-collar state House Speakers in America.


