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Ben Nighthorse Campbell dies at 92, leaving a legacy in American politics

Dec 31, 2025, 4:45 AM30
(Update: Dec 31, 2025, 3:09 PM)
Politician, athlete and rancher
hill (251m) in Flintshire, and largest neolithic monument in Wales
American political party
bicameral legislature of the United States

Ben Nighthorse Campbell dies at 92, leaving a legacy in American politics

  • Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado, died at 92 of natural causes.
  • He served in the Senate from 1993 until retiring in 2005 and famously switched from Democrat to Republican.
  • His contributions to politics and Native American issues will be remembered as a significant part of his legacy.
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Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado, passed away at the age of 92 on December 30, 2025. His family announced that he died of natural causes surrounded by loved ones. Campbell was a prominent figure in American politics, known for his passionate advocacy for Native American issues, having served in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2005. Originally a Democrat, he made headlines when he switched to the Republican Party in 1995, which was an unexpected move that surprised many within his party. His tenure in Congress was marked by his unconventional appearance and defense of children's rights, labor rights, and fiscal conservatism. He played a significant role in sponsoring legislation upgrading the Great Sand Dunes National Monument to a national park in Colorado. Following his retirement, Campbell focused on his career as a master jeweler and established a lobbying firm that specialized in Native American affairs. His death has been met with tributes from former colleagues and friends, highlighting his kindness and contributions to the state of Colorado and the nation at large. He is survived by his wife, Linda, two children, and four grandchildren.

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