Former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a Northern Cheyenne chief who embodied conservative principles of individual liberty and limited government while championing Native American rights, has died at 92, leaving behind a legacy that demonstrated how principled leadership transcends party lines.
Story Highlights
- Campbell switched from Democrat to Republican in 1995 over fiscal responsibility concerns, specifically anger at Democrats killing a balanced-budget amendment
- The Northern Cheyenne tribal chief served Colorado across three decades, never losing a single election from state house to U.S. Senate
- He advocated for Native American water rights and helped upgrade Great Sand Dunes National Monument to national park status
- Campbell died December 30, 2025, at his Colorado ranch, surrounded by family, including his wife Linda of nearly 60 years
Principled Party Switch Over Fiscal Responsibility
Campbell’s 1995 decision to leave the Democrat Party and join Republicans stunned political observers but reflected his unwavering commitment to fiscal conservatism. He grew frustrated with Democrats after they killed a balanced-budget amendment in the Senate, a move that violated his core belief in responsible government spending.
This principled stand demonstrated the type of leadership that puts constitutional governance above political convenience, a quality desperately needed in today’s political landscape.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell passed away this afternoon at the age of 92. He was from the Northern Cheyenne tribe, and served 6 years in the House and 12 years as a U.S. Senator. He was a master jeweler with a reputation far beyond the boundaries of Colorado. He was always generous to…
— Senator John Hickenlooper (@SenatorHick) December 31, 2025
Undefeated Political Career Built on Grassroots Engagement
Campbell’s political journey began by chance in 1982 when bad weather grounded his jewelry delivery flight in Durango, Colorado. After attending a Democrat county meeting, he was recruited to challenge a popular GOP legislative candidate.
Despite facing Don Whalen, described as looking “like he was out of a Brooks Brothers catalog,” Campbell won through old-fashioned door-to-door campaigning, ripping maps from Yellow Pages and connecting directly with voters.
His grassroots approach proved unstoppable. Campbell served three terms in the U.S. House before winning election to the Senate, where he became the only Native American member during his tenure.
Even after switching parties, he decisively defeated Democrat Dottie Lamm in 1998, proving that principled conservatism resonates with voters when authentically presented.
Champion of Native American Rights and Limited Government
Campbell successfully balanced conservative fiscal principles with advocacy for Native American communities, particularly water rights issues.
He promoted legislation honoring Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribal water rights while upgrading Great Sand Dunes National Monument to national park status. His ancestors were among 150 Native Americans killed by U.S. soldiers at Sand Creek in 1864, making his advocacy deeply personal yet constitutionally grounded.
His approach often put him at odds with environmental extremists on mining law and grazing reforms, showing how conservative principles can protect both individual property rights and Native American sovereignty. Campbell understood that limited government and respect for constitutional rights benefit all Americans, regardless of background.
Legacy of Service Beyond Politics
Campbell’s diverse background exemplified American opportunity and individual achievement. Born in Auburn, California, he served in the Air Force during Korea, earned a degree from San Jose State University, and studied at Meiji University in Tokyo.
He captained the U.S. judo team in the 1964 Olympics and won Pan American Games gold, demonstrating the excellence that comes from personal discipline and hard work.
After retiring from the Senate in the 2000s due to health concerns, Campbell focused on his Native American jewelry business, which gained recognition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian.
He founded Ben Nighthorse Consultants, continuing his advocacy for Native American affairs and natural resources through private enterprise rather than government expansion.
