Colorado has lost a towering figure with the passing of former U.S. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell at the age of 92.
Campbell died of natural causes on Tuesday, surrounded by loved ones, as announced by his daughter Shanan Campbell, Fox News reported.
His legacy spans decades of public service, from the Colorado House to the U.S. House and Senate, where he served from 1993 until retiring in 2005 due to health challenges. A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, he carried a deep personal history into his advocacy for Native American causes.
Campbell began his political journey as a Democrat, only to switch to the Republican Party in 1995 after frustration with Senate Democrats over a balanced-budget amendment. His principles, he insisted, remained steady despite the change in affiliation.
“It didn’t change me. I didn’t change my voting record,” Campbell once declared, pointing to his consistent support for labor, minorities, and women’s rights. His words cut through the partisan noise, showing a man guided by conviction over convenience.
This move drew sharp criticism from Democratic leaders, yet Campbell held firm, embracing his identity as a social liberal and fiscal hawk. “I get hammered from the extremes,” he admitted, acknowledging the tightrope of pleasing everyone in a polarized landscape.
Known for cowboy boots, bolo ties, and a signature ponytail, Campbell brought a unique presence to Washington. His passion for Native American issues shone through in legislation like upgrading the Great Sand Dunes National Monument to a national park, tied to a tragic chapter in his ancestors’ history.
He spoke often of the 1864 massacre where over 150 Northern Cheyenne, mostly women and children, were killed by U.S. soldiers despite a flag of truce. That personal connection fueled his drive to preserve cultural landmarks and protect tribal rights.
Beyond heritage, Campbell fought for children’s rights and organized labor while maintaining a tight grip on fiscal responsibility. His blend of priorities often defied easy categorization, frustrating ideologues on both sides.
Before politics, Campbell’s life was a tapestry of diverse achievements, from serving in the Air Force during the Korean War to earning a degree from San Jose State University. He also studied at Meiji University in Tokyo and captained the U.S. judo team at the 1964 Olympics, securing a gold medal at the Pan American Games.
His hands crafted beauty as a master jeweler, with works displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Colorado Sen. John Hickenlooper captured it well on X, saying, “He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado.”
Campbell’s grit extended to the open road as a motorcycle rider and cattle rancher, earning him a spot in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Even in retirement, he drove the Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., a fitting symbol of his enduring service.
After leaving Congress, Campbell founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, a lobbying firm focused on federal policy for Native American affairs and natural resources. His jewelry craftsmanship continued, a quiet testament to a creative spirit undimmed by age.
Tributes poured in, with Gov. Jared Polis ordering flags lowered to half-staff on the day of Campbell’s service, calling his contributions a “lasting legacy” on X. Rep. Diana DeGette echoed the sentiment, noting on X, “He was truly one of a kind.”
Survived by his wife Linda, children Shanan and Colin, and four grandchildren, Campbell leaves behind a family and a state forever shaped by his work. His story reminds us that principle and persistence can carve a path through even the most divided times.