Former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, a trailblazing Native American politician and decorated athlete who served in Congress for nearly two decades, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, at age 92.
Campbell died of natural causes, surrounded by his family, his daughter Shanan Campbell confirmed. He is survived by his wife Linda, whom he married in 1966, their two children Shanan and Colin Campbell, and four grandchildren.
The Northern Cheyenne tribe member represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1993 to 2005 after serving in the U.S. House from 1987 to 1993. Before his congressional career, Campbell served in the Colorado state legislature from 1983 to 1986.
Campbell became the first Native American to chair the Committee on Indian Affairs and was the only Native American serving in the Senate during his two terms. His passionate advocacy for Native American rights defined much of his legislative career, particularly his work on the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site.
His ancestors were among more than 150 Native Americans killed on November 29, 1864, in what became known as the Sand Creek Massacre. Most of the victims were women, children, and elderly men who had been camped under a flag of truce when U.S. soldiers attacked. Campbell’s efforts helped create the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site to memorialize the tragedy.
He also helped upgrade the Great Sand Dunes to national park status, expanding federal protection for the southern Colorado landmark. These conservation efforts reflected his deep commitment to preserving sites of historical and cultural significance to Native American communities.
Campbell’s political journey took an unexpected turn in 1995 when he switched to the Republican Party while serving in the Senate. The move shocked the Democratic establishment, but Campbell maintained he was following his principles rather than party orthodoxy. Despite the party switch, he secured reelection and continued serving Colorado until 2005.
Among his more controversial votes, Campbell supported authorizing the Iraq War in 2003, a decision that reflected the complex political landscape of the post-9/11 era. The authorization vote marked a significant moment in his Senate tenure as the nation debated military intervention in the Middle East.
Born April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell’s early life was marked by both hardship and extraordinary achievement. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953, beginning a pattern of service that would define his life.
After his military service, Campbell pursued higher education, receiving a degree from San Jose State University in 1957. His academic journey continued at Meiji University in Tokyo, where he attended from 1960 to 1964, studying and training in judo at the highest levels.
Campbell’s athletic prowess brought him international recognition. He won a gold medal at the Pan American Games and served as captain of the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics. His dedication to the martial art demonstrated the discipline and determination that would later characterize his political career.
Beyond politics and athletics, Campbell distinguished himself as a master jeweler. His jewelry designs earned national recognition, with pieces displayed at the Smithsonian. The craftsmanship he brought to jewelry making reflected his attention to detail and artistic vision.
After retiring from the Senate, Campbell founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, a lobbying firm focused on federal policy issues, including Native American affairs and natural resources. The consultancy allowed him to continue influencing policy while drawing on his decades of legislative experience.
Campbell also became known for an unusual senatorial duty: driving the Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., on several occasions. His unique qualifications among his colleagues made him well-suited for the ceremonial journey.
Colorado political leaders mourned Campbell’s passing with tributes acknowledging his unique legacy. “He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado,” Sen. John Hickenlooper said. “I will not forget his acts of kindness. He will be sorely missed.”
Gov. Jared Polis ordered flags lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Campbell’s service, honoring the senator’s contributions to Colorado and the nation. “He will be missed here in Colorado and across the country, and his contributions leave a lasting legacy to our state and nation,” Polis said.
On Tuesday, tribal elders came to Campbell’s home as he approached his final hours. Eddie Box Jr. sang ancient, sacred songs in a traditional ceremony honoring Campbell’s passage.
Campbell’s life embodied the diverse experiences of 20th-century America. From his birth during the Great Depression through military service in Korea, from Olympic competition to congressional leadership, he navigated multiple worlds while maintaining his identity as a Northern Cheyenne tribal member.
His legislative accomplishments extended beyond Native American issues to include advocacy for children’s rights, reflecting his understanding of vulnerable populations. His work on behalf of children stemmed from personal experience and a commitment to protecting those without political power.
Campbell’s distinctive appearance made him instantly recognizable on Capitol Hill. His presentation challenged conventional expectations of how senators should look, yet his colleagues respected his substance over style.
Campbell’s marriage to Linda spanned nearly six decades. Their partnership sustained him through the demands of political life, from state legislature campaigns to Senate reelection battles.
His jewelry work continued throughout his political career and after retirement, providing both artistic fulfillment and a connection to traditional Native American craftsmanship. The pieces he created told stories of his heritage while showcasing contemporary design sensibilities.
Campbell’s switch from Democrat to Republican in 1995 remains one of the more dramatic party changes in modern Senate history. The decision reflected his independent streak and willingness to break with political convention when he believed circumstances warranted such action.
Throughout his Senate tenure, Campbell balanced representing Colorado’s diverse constituencies with his unique perspective as the chamber’s only Native American member. This dual responsibility shaped his legislative priorities and gave him influence on issues affecting indigenous peoples nationwide.
His work upgrading the Great Sand Dunes to national park status protected a distinctive Colorado landscape for future generations. The park’s towering dunes against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains represent one of North America’s unique geological formations, now preserved in perpetuity partly due to Campbell’s efforts.
Campbell’s legacy intertwines athletic achievement, artistic creation, military service and political leadership into a distinctly American story. His life demonstrated that individuals can excel across multiple domains while maintaining core values and cultural identity. As tribal members sang sacred songs at his bedside Tuesday, Campbell’s journey came full circle, returning to the traditions of his Northern Cheyenne ancestors.
