Ben Nighthorse Campbell

Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a trailblazing political figure who became the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in more than 60 years, passed away on December 30, 2025. He was 92. A family spokesperson announced that he died peacefully at his ranch in Colorado. A member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Campbell was known for his rugged individualism, his signature ponytail, and his ability to bridge partisan divides during his tenure in Congress.

Campbell's path to Washington was anything but traditional. A Korean War veteran and a captain of the U.S. Olympic judo team in 1964, he worked as a jewelry designer and rancher before entering politics. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1986 and later to the Senate in 1992. In a dramatic move that underscored his independent streak, he switched parties to become a Republican in 1995, citing his fiscal conservatism and desire for smaller government.

Throughout his legislative career, Campbell was a fierce advocate for Native American rights, championing laws to improve tribal health care, education, and sovereignty. He retired from the Senate in 2005 but remained an influential voice in Indian Country and a mentor to aspiring indigenous leaders. His legacy is defined by his commitment to his heritage and his unique journey from a high school dropout to one of the most powerful Native American voices in U.S. history.

He is survived by his wife, Linda, and their two children. Tributes from colleagues on both sides of the aisle have hailed him as a "warrior legislator" who brought a vital and often overlooked perspective to the halls of power.