Democrat Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico announced Sunday he intends to return to the Senate in time to vote for President Biden’s Supreme Court pick.
Lujan announced the move via a video posted on his Twitter account.
Gratitude to the Medical Staff
Luján also thanked the medical staff at the University of New Mexico Hospital and Christus St. Vincent, especially Dr. Javed Eliyas, who did the senator’s surgery.
“I’m doing great,” Luján added. “I’m strong. I’m back on the path to rehabilitation, and I want to complete it. I’m going to walk away from this place. I’m going to overcome this, and when I do, I’m going to be stronger.”
He said he would be taken to an inpatient rehabilitation center to finish his recovery, which he estimated would take a few more weeks.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. The outpouring of support from New Mexicans and folks all around the country gives me strength every day. Excited to get back to work. pic.twitter.com/qRH2JjLTpp
— Senator Ben Ray Luján (@SenatorLujan) February 13, 2022
“Now, I’m delighted to say I’ll be back on the Senate floor within the next several weeks to cast my vote regarding critical legislation and the consideration of a nominee for the Supreme Court,” Luján continued.
“Now, New Mexicans can be comfortable they will have a voice and a vote in this process. That has always been the case.”
Additionally, he stated he maintained an open Senate office to engage with people and give services to residents.
“It is and has always been a priority for me. That is never going to change.” Luján also chatted briefly with two of his physicians and expressed his gratitude to the medical staff.
Medical Emergency
Luján, 49, was elected to the United States Senate in 2020, following a decade in Congress representing New Mexico’s 3rd Congressional District. He was admitted to the hospital in late January, following a stroke.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujan Gives Health Update After Stroke https://t.co/UNB0OSUdGp
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) February 14, 2022
According to The Daily Wire, Senator Lujan began suffering from dizziness and exhaustion early Thursday morning, according to Carlos Sanchez, the senator’s chief of staff.
He was admitted to Santa Fe’s Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital. He was subsequently taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque for additional assessment.
Senator Lujan was discovered to have had a cerebellar stroke, which impaired his balance. He then received surgery of a decompressive nature to alleviate edema in order to get the necessary treatment.
“He is presently receiving care at UNM Hospital and is resting peacefully,” per the statement. “He is anticipated to make a full recovery. The senator’s offices will stay open and will continue to provide constituency services to all New Mexicans.”
“Senator Lujan is looking forward to returning to work for New Mexico’s citizens. He and his family desire their privacy at this time and would appreciate your ongoing prayers and best wishes.”
Due to Luján’s absence, Democrats had just 49 senators on the floor, raising concerns about the timeframe for voting on President Biden’s Supreme Court candidate, following Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement.
