Key Takeaways:
- Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a prominent figure in Western Colorado politics, passed away at the age of 92 due to natural causes.
- Campbell had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving in the Colorado state legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate.
- He was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and was the first Native American to chair the Committee on Indian Affairs.
- Campbell was also a member of the U.S. Olympic Team, a judo coach, and an award-winning jewelry designer.
- He was known for his bipartisanship and his commitment to issues such as water management, public lands, education, law enforcement, and Native American rights.
Introduction to Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s Life and Career
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator from Colorado, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. Campbell had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving in the Colorado state legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate. He was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and was known for his commitment to issues such as water management, public lands, education, law enforcement, and Native American rights. Campbell’s life and career were marked by his unique blend of Native American heritage, military service, and political experience.
Campbell’s Early Life and Career
Campbell was born in Auburn, California, on April 13, 1933, to a Portuguese immigrant mother and a Northern Cheyenne father. He quit high school to join the Air Force, where he served from 1951 to 1953 and attained the rank of airman second class. After his military service, Campbell attended San Jose State College, where he received a degree in physical education in 1957. He later taught physical education and judo, and even competed in the 1964 Olympics. Campbell’s early life and career were marked by his love of sports and his commitment to public service.
Campbell’s Political Career
Campbell’s entry into politics was almost accidental, according to former Colorado GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams. Campbell walked into a Democratic meeting in Durango and walked out as a nominee for state representative. He served in the Colorado state legislature from 1983 to 1986, followed by three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1992, he was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he changed his party affiliation to Republican in 1995. Campbell served as chair of the Committee on Indian Affairs until the end of his second term in January 2005. He was the first Native American to chair the committee and the only Native American to serve in the Senate during his two terms.
Campbell’s Legacy and Accomplishments
Campbell’s legacy is marked by his commitment to bipartisanship and his work on issues such as water management, public lands, education, law enforcement, and Native American rights. He was instrumental in getting the Sand Creek Massacre site added as a unit of the National Park system and was a strong advocate for the rights of Native Americans. Campbell also worked to advance the Animas-La Plata Project, a federal water project located just south of Durango, and was a key player in the development of the National Museum of the American Indian. He was proud of his work on these issues and believed that they would have a lasting impact on the state of Colorado and the nation.
Campbell’s Personal Life and Interests
In addition to his political career, Campbell was a talented jewelry designer and artist. He started making jewelry at the age of 9 and continued to create pieces throughout his life. Campbell’s daughter, Shanan, described his jewelry as "his passion, his love, and his outlet." He was also an avid horseman and owned a ranch on the Southern Ute reservation, where he raised horses and lived with his wife, Linda. Campbell’s personal life and interests were marked by his love of art, nature, and community.
Tributes and Reflections
Former U.S. Sen. Hank Brown, a Republican who served alongside Campbell, remembered him as a man of integrity and honesty. "He was enormously straightforward and honest," Brown said. "He had the kind of integrity that people would hope members of the Senate would have." Campbell’s daughter, Shanan, said that the family would be making a formal statement on Wednesday. The Colorado Sun staff writer Shannon Mullane contributed to this story, which is based on facts observed and verified directly by the reporter or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Overall, Ben Nighthorse Campbell’s life and career were marked by his unique blend of Native American heritage, military service, and political experience, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations.