U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján Of NM Hospitalized After Stroke

ALBUQUERQUE, NM — U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico suffered a stroke and was hospitalized at University of New Mexico Hospital, the senator's office said Tuesday. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Luján's chief of staff Carlos Sanchez said in a statement that the 49-year-old senator felt dizzy and tired early Thursday. Luján checked himself into Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Santa Fe and was later moved to UNM Hospital in Albuquerque for further evaluation.

"Senator Luján was found to have suffered a stroke in the cerebellum, affecting his balance," Sanchez said.

The senator underwent decompressive surgery to ease swelling and remains at UNM Hospital, Sanches said. He was resting comfortably and expected to make a full recovery.

"The Senator’s offices remain open and will continue providing constituent services to all New Mexicans without any interruption," Sanchez said. "The Senator and his family would like to thank the wonderful doctors and staff at both UNM Hospital and Christus St. Vincent Regional Hospital for their excellent care during this time."

It wasn't immediately clear when Luján, a Democrat, would return to the Senate. As The Washington Post noted, the hospitalization comes as President Joe Biden searches for a U.S. Supreme Court nominee to replace outgoing Justice Stephen Breyer. Breyer plans to retire at the end of this term, and Biden has said he plans to announce a nominee by the end of the month.

For a judicial nominee to be confirmed, a simple majority in the Senate is required. Democrats are the majority party in the Senate with 48 seats, since two Independents caucus with them. Vice President Kamala Harris represents the tie-breaking vote.