Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the former Colorado senator who served two decades in Congress and became the first Native American to chair the Committee on Indian Affairs, died December 31, 2025 at 92 years old. His daughter, Shanan Campbell, confirmed he died of natural causes surrounded by his family.
Campbell represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2005 after serving three terms in the U.S. House and a stint in the Colorado state legislature starting in 1987. A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, he was the only Native American in the Senate during his terms and brought a unique perspective to federal policy affecting indigenous communities.
The senator made national headlines in March 1995 when he switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, a move that shocked the political establishment. Despite the party change, Campbell maintained strong positions on issues he championed throughout his career, including Native American rights and fiscal conservatism.
Born April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell’s path to Congress was anything but conventional. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Korea. After his military service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State in 1957, demonstrating early determination that would characterize his entire life.
Campbell’s athletic prowess brought him international recognition. He attended Meiji University in Tokyo from 1960 to 1964, where he honed his judo skills to an elite level. He captained the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics and won a gold medal at the Pan American Games, achievements that showcased his dedication and competitive spirit long before he entered politics.
His Northern Cheyenne heritage deeply influenced his legislative priorities. Campbell’s ancestors were among more than 150 Native Americans killed on November 29, 1864, in what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre. The victims, mostly women, children and elderly men, had been camped under a flag of truce when U.S. soldiers attacked.
Campbell wielded significant influence over federal Indian policy throughout his Senate career. His position allowed him to advocate for indigenous communities from a place of personal understanding and cultural connection that few legislators could match.
Campbell’s legislative accomplishments included significant conservation work in Colorado. He helped create Great Sand Dunes National Park and played a key role in establishing Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. These achievements preserved critical landscapes in his home state for future generations.
Beyond politics, Campbell was a master jeweler whose designs were featured at the Smithsonian. His artistic talents reflected a different facet of his multifaceted career, demonstrating creativity that complemented his political and athletic achievements.
Campbell retired from the Senate in 2005, stepping away from elected office after more than two decades of federal service. Following his departure from Congress, he founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, a firm focusing on federal policy matters including Native American affairs and natural resources.
One of Campbell’s more colorful post-Senate activities involved driving the Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on several occasions. The role suited his personality and background, combining his love of the road with service to the institution where he had spent so many years.
Current Colorado political leaders paid tribute to their predecessor. Sen. John Hickenlooper and Gov. Jared Polis both honored Campbell’s memory, recognizing his contributions to the state and nation. The tributes from Democratic leaders underscored Campbell’s ability to earn respect across party lines, even after his 1995 switch to the Republican Party.
Campbell is survived by his wife Linda Campbell, their children Shanan Campbell and Colin Campbell, and four grandchildren. According to his daughter’s statement, Eddie Box Jr. sang ancient, sacred songs during those final hours.
Campbell’s journey from California to Colorado, from Olympic athlete to U.S. senator, from Democrat to Republican, illustrated a life of constant evolution and unwavering commitment to his principles. His Northern Cheyenne identity remained central to his work throughout his career, informing his advocacy for Native American communities and his efforts to preserve important historical sites like the Sand Creek Massacre location.
The former senator’s legacy extends beyond legislation to the doors he opened for Native American representation in federal government. As the first Native American to chair the Committee on Indian Affairs, Campbell carved a path that demonstrated indigenous peoples could reach the highest levels of American political power.
His bipartisan support in death, much like his ability to work across the aisle in life, reflects the respect Campbell commanded from colleagues regardless of political affiliation. From his service in Korea to his time in the Senate, from the Olympic judo mat to the jewelry workshop, Campbell’s 92 years encompassed remarkable breadth and achievement.
The transformation from a young athlete to a powerful U.S. senator shaping federal Indian policy captured the American narrative of determination and reinvention. Campbell’s story resonated with Coloradans who valued independence, authenticity and the courage to chart one’s own course, even when that meant making controversial decisions like switching political parties mid-career.
Sources:
https://www.gjsentinel.com/news/western_colorado/former-u-s-sen-ben-nighthorse-campbell-dies-at-92/article_802b9ab0-366a-4188-8f32-8c48f79dc956.html
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-12-31/former-u-s-sen-ben-nighthorse-campbell-of-colorado-dies-at-92
https://coloradosun.com/2025/12/30/ben-nighthorse-campbell-dies/
https://www.cpr.org/2025/12/30/ben-nighthorse-campbell-obituary/
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/former-colorado-sen-ben-nighthorse-campbell-dead-92
