Chief of Staff Carlos Sanchez

From the Office of U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján:

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) today announced senior staff for his U.S. Senate office:

“This team of dedicated public servants brings decades of policy, communications and administrative experience to the United States Senate. Most importantly, they share my commitment to serving the people of New Mexico,” Luján said. “I’m proud to have them working by my side, and encourage my constituents to reach out to my office if they need support from any member of my staff.”

Carlos Sanchez, Chief of Staff 

Prior to joining Luján as Chief of Staff in his House office, Carlos Sanchez was the Executive Director for the House Democratic Caucus. He also served as Deputy National Political Director for Hillary for America, Chief of Staff to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, and Press Secretary and Advisor to Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Sanchez is a native of Laredo, Texas and graduate of Texas A&M International University

Aaron Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff

Aaron Trujillo has more than a decade of Hill experience. He previously served as a legislative aide, Presidential appointee for Obama, and as Chief of Staff at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) under Luján during the 2018 midterm election cycle. Most recently, Trujillo was the Vice President of Fulcrum Public Affairs, which is the first entirely Latinx and Black-owned Public Affairs firm in Washington, D.C. He is a native of El Rancho.

Ane Romero, State Director

Ane Romero previously worked on Capitol Hill for U.S. Rep. Grace Napolitano and in New Mexico for U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. She has nearly two decades of policy experience, including overseeing the Congressional Mental Health Caucus under Rep. Napolitano. Romero was born and raised in New Mexico and is a graduate of New Mexico Highlands University. 

Graham Mason, Legislative Director

Previously, Graham Mason worked in leadership positions in Sen. Luján’s House office, including as his Legislative Director. He also worked in the House for Representatives for Allyson Schwartz, Lloyd Doggett and Chris Carney.

Monica Garcia, Communications Director

Monica Garcia previously served in communications roles for Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, Dick Durbin and Harry Reid. She is an alum of President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign. Garcia is a native of Blue Island, Ill., and a graduate of Northwestern University.

Nick Greene, Administrative Director

Previously, Nick Greene worked in the House for Representatives for Susan Davis, Mark Pocan and Joe Crowley. He also served as Confidential Assistant to National Transportation Safety Board Member Jennifer Homendy. Greene has strong family ties to Los Alamos.

Jeff Lopez, Senior Policy Advisor

Jeff Lopez previously worked for U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, rising through the ranks from intern, staff assistant, legislative correspondent, legislative assistant, and finally to senior policy advisor for the Senate Commerce Committee. Lopez is a native of Santa Fe and holds degrees from the University of Chicago and Georgetown University. 

Brooke Stuedell, Military Legislative Assistant

Prior to joining Sen. Luján, Brooke Stuedell was Legislative Director for U.S. Rep. Xochitl Torres Small. She previously worked for U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, rising from an intern to Legislative Assistant. Stuedell was born and spent her early years in the U.S. Virgin Islands before moving to Los Alamos in high school. She is a graduate of the University of New Mexico.