A true icon of the American West has passed away. Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a man whose life was as colorful and multifaceted as the Colorado landscape he represented, died of natural causes at the age of 92, surrounded by his family. His daughter, Shanan Campbell, confirmed the news, marking the end of an era. But what made this man so remarkable? Let's dive in.
Campbell's legacy is etched across decades of public service. He served Colorado with distinction, first in the State Legislature, then in the U.S. House of Representatives, and finally, for two terms, in the U.S. Senate. Beyond the political arena, his life was a tapestry woven with threads of diverse experiences, including service in the U.S. Air Force and a place on the U.S. Olympic Team.
His journey into politics was, in his own words, almost accidental. As former Colorado GOP Chairman Dick Wadhams recalls, Campbell, by chance, walked into a Democratic meeting and emerged as a candidate for state representative.
From 1983 to 1986, he served in the Colorado state legislature. Following that, he served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Later, he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. In 1995, he made a significant move by switching his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. He held the position of chair of the Committee on Indian Affairs until the end of his second term in January 2005.
Did you know? Campbell holds the distinction of being the first Native American to chair this committee, and he was the sole Native American senator during his tenure. A member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Campbell's unique perspective shaped his political career.
But here's where it gets controversial... Campbell's ability to cross party lines and connect with people from all walks of life was a key ingredient in his success. Wadhams emphasized his magnetic personality, saying, "When Ben Campbell entered a room, you knew he was there. He just had a huge presence."
Campbell's life wasn't confined to politics. He was also a champion for Native American rights. He served as the honorary chair of the Sand Creek Massacre Foundation and played a pivotal role in getting the Sand Creek Massacre site recognized as a unit of the National Park System. He never forgot his roots, and his dedication to his Northern Cheyenne ancestors was unwavering.
Born in Auburn, California, on April 13, 1933, Campbell's story is a testament to the American dream. His mother was a Portuguese immigrant, and his father was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe.
He joined the Air Force, earned his GED, and served in Korea from 1951 to 1953, achieving the rank of airman second class. He earned a degree in physical education from San Jose State College in 1957.
He met his wife, Linda, in 1966, and they were married for 59 years. They had two children, Colin and Shanan, and four grandchildren.
And this is the part most people miss... Campbell's life was full of unexpected twists and turns. In 1960, when judo was announced as an Olympic sport, he sold everything he owned and moved to Tokyo to pursue his dream. He won a gold medal at the Pan-American Games in 1963 and later coached the U.S. National Judo Team.
From childhood, he had a passion for jewelry design, creating stunning pieces that reflected different phases of his life. His daughter, Shanan, described his jewelry as a "journal," reflecting his clear intent in everything he did.
In 1978, he and Linda purchased a ranch on the Southern Ute reservation, where they raised horses and he launched his political career.
In Congress, Campbell was known for his bipartisanship and distinctive style, often seen in cowboy boots, a bolo tie, and a ponytail.
Former U.S. Senator Hank Brown, who served alongside Campbell, remembers him as a man of integrity and a true friend. Brown recalled an instance where Campbell brought his horse to a Fourth of July celebration and, without hesitation, helped shovel manure the next morning.
Brown considered Campbell's change in party affiliation an "act of conscience." Campbell himself stated that he switched parties because he felt Republicans were doing more for Native Americans.
A thought-provoking question: Do you believe political affiliations should take a backseat to the needs of the people?
During his time in the Senate, Campbell was proudest of securing funding for bulletproof vests for police officers and, above all, the National Museum of the American Indian on the National Mall.
"If I ever wanted to be remembered for one single thing above all others," he said, "it would be that museum — because I am a firm believer that you can’t have a good future unless you learn from the past.”
What do you think of his legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
