“As part of his treatment plan, he subsequently underwent decompressive surgery to ease swelling,” the statement said. “He is currently being cared for at UNM hospital, resting comfortably, and expected to make a full recovery.”
Democratic New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham tweeted, “Sending all my best to @SenatorLujan and his family.”
“Ben Ray is a tough norteño and I know he’ll be back on the Senate floor fighting for New Mexico families in no time — all of New Mexico is wishing him a speedy and full recovery.”
Senate Democrats will need 51 votes to confirm a Supreme Court nominee, which would require all 50 members of the caucus to coalesce behind Biden’s pick with Vice President Kamala Harris breaking a tie if no Republicans support the nominee.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois, whose responsibility it is to ensure Democrats have enough votes to pass legislation and confirm nominees, had been unaware that Luján had suffered a stroke until reporters told him late Tuesday afternoon.
“Oh, my God, I didn’t know that,” Durbin responded, adding that it wasn’t clear how Luján’s absence could impact the vote schedule on the floor.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters, “First, we are all praying for Ben Ray and his family. We are all grateful that he will have a full recovery.”
“We look forward to his quick return to the Senate, and I believe the Senate will be able to carry forward with its business,” the New York Democrat added.
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware similarly said, “Today we should be focused on Ben Ray’s health and his family and his recovery,” but called the development “a reminder that in a 50-50 Senate with important work in front of us, any unforeseen or difficult developments can make that harder.”
This story has been updated with additional information Tuesday.
CNN’s Ted Barrett, Ali Zaslav, Jessica Dean, Lauren Fox, and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this report.
