Ben Nighthorse Campbell

Ben Nighthorse Campbell is an American politician and jewelry designer who served as a United States Senator from Colorado from 1993 to 2005. A member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, he was the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate in over six decades and the only Native American to have served in both chambers of the United States Congress. Before his Senate tenure, Campbell represented Colorado's 3rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives and served in the Colorado House of Representatives.

Early life and education

Born in Auburn, California, to a mother of Portuguese descent and a father from the Northern Cheyenne nation, Campbell faced significant adversity in his youth, including time in an orphanage following his mother's illness. He attended San Jose State University, where he studied physical education and was a champion judo competitor, eventually earning a spot on the 1964 U.S. Olympic team. His athletic career was interrupted by service in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, after which he also studied briefly at Meiji University in Tokyo.

Pre-political career

Before entering politics, Campbell established himself as a successful artist and entrepreneur. He founded a highly regarded jewelry design business, Ben Nighthorse Indian Jewelry, creating pieces inspired by his Northern Cheyenne heritage that were sold in high-end stores like Neiman Marcus. His work as a silversmith and his status as a National Judo Hall of Fame inductee brought him national recognition. He also served as a coach for the United States national judo team and was deeply involved in Native American cultural and advocacy organizations.

U.S. House of Representatives

Elected as a Democrat to the United States House of Representatives in 1986, Campbell represented the vast Colorado's 3rd congressional district, which encompasses the state's Western Slope and San Luis Valley. In the 101st United States Congress, he focused on issues critical to his district, including water rights, public lands management, mining law reform, and agriculture. He served on influential committees such as the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture, building a reputation as a pragmatic and independent voice.

U.S. Senate

Campbell was elected to the United States Senate in 1992, defeating Democrat Dick Lamm in the primary and Republican Terry Considine in the general election. In 1995, he switched his party affiliation to the Republican Party, citing alignment with their views on fiscal policy and gun rights. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and sat on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Appropriations Committee. He was a key advocate for the National Museum of the American Indian and sponsored legislation like the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act.

Post-Senate career and legacy

After choosing not to seek re-election in 2004, Campbell returned to his work in jewelry design and remained active in public policy. He has served as a senior policy advisor at the Washington, D.C. law firm Holland & Knight, focusing on Native American affairs and natural resource issues. His legacy is marked by his trailblazing role as a Native American in federal politics, his advocacy for tribal sovereignty, and his distinctive, independent political path that bridged both major parties. He has received numerous honors, including the Congressional Distinguished Service Award.