Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former Colorado senator and representative celebrated for his advocacy of Native American issues, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92.
His daughter, Shanann Campbell, announced that he died of natural causes, surrounded by his family.
Initially a Democrat, Campbell made headlines by switching to the Republican Party, which caught many off guard. He was known for championing children’s rights, organized labor, and fiscal conservatism, and his unique style included cowboy boots, bolo ties, and ponytails.
A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell’s roots traced back to ancestors who were victims in the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, where over 150 Native Americans were killed. He worked on legislation to designate the site as a national park.
His political journey began in the House of Representatives in 1987, spanning three terms, followed by two terms in the Senate from 1993 to 2005.
Colorado State Sen. John Hickenlooper remarked on Campbell’s impressive legacy as a jeweler, saying, “He will be sorely missed.”
Campbell’s Political Shift
Even prior to his party switch in March 1995, following the Senate’s rejection of the Balanced Budget Amendment, Campbell was sometimes viewed as an outsider. His departure from the Democratic Party infuriated its leaders, and his move was perceived as a Republican triumph.
He once expressed, “I’m always willing to listen…but I don’t think you can be everything to everyone, no matter what political party you belong to.”
Campbell was expected to seek a third Senate term, but he withdrew in 2004, citing health issues. He shared that while he initially feared it was a heart attack, it turned out otherwise. Reflecting on that time, he noted, “Do I really need to do this after another six years away from home?”
Post-retirement, he focused on creating Native American jewelry, which gained recognition at the Smithsonian, and developed outdoor gear through his company, Kiva Designs. Additionally, he joined Holland & Knight as a senior policy advisor.
He created Ben Nighthorse Consultants to address federal policy, particularly around Native American issues and natural resources. He was also known for transporting the Capitol Christmas tree to Washington multiple times.
Congresswoman Diana DeGette commented, “He was truly one of a kind,” extending her sympathy to his family.
An Unexpected Politician
Campbell’s political journey began somewhat accidentally. In 1982, weather delays forced him to wait in Durango, Colorado, where he attended a Democratic Party meeting and unexpectedly found himself giving a speech for a friend’s campaign.
During that meeting, the Democrats approached him about running for Congress. “Like a fish, I was hooked,” he recalled. Facing a formidable opponent in Don Whalen, a beloved former university president, Campbell felt underestimated but channeled that energy into his campaign.
He took grassroots campaigning seriously, going door-to-door despite unexpected encounters, even once talking to a man with a tire iron who thought Campbell was involved in furniture relocation.
Ultimately, Campbell never lost an election, moving from the Colorado House to the U.S. House and then to the Senate.
Born on April 13, 1933, in Auburn, California, Campbell served in the Korean Air Force from 1951 to 1953, later obtaining a degree from San Jose State University. He was also the captain of the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics.
Throughout his career, he was known for his contentious relationships with environmentalists and his direct criticism of officials, including derogatory remarks about then-Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt regarding water rights for Native tribes.
Despite these controversies, he maintained popularity, winning re-election to the Senate in 1998, even after switching to the Republican Party, becoming the only Native American in the Senate at that time.
Principles Over Party
Campbell insisted his core principles remained intact despite his party switch. While facing criticism for his Republican votes, he defended his voting record, emphasizing consistency in labor support and minority issues.
He attributed his values to personal experiences, particularly relating to his upbringing in an orphanage and involvement with labor unions that shaped his views on social and fiscal conservatism.
Rumors around his retirement weren’t linked to the allegations against his former chief of staff but were focused on his health and family, as he stated, “There are a lot of disappointing things that happen in Washington…you have to work through it.”
