Fred Harris, U.S. Senator and Progressive Leader, Passes Away at 94

Fred Harris, the former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, presidential hopeful, and influential Democratic populist, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed the news, stating that he died peacefully from natural causes. Harris had been a resident of New Mexico since 1976, where he lived in Corrales at the time of his death.

Harris made his mark in American politics as a progressive voice for civil rights, anti-poverty programs, and electoral reforms. He served as a U.S. senator from Oklahoma from 1964 to 1972 and was an influential leader in the Democratic Party. As chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970, Harris played a critical role in the aftermath of the 1968 national convention riots. He helped push through reforms that opened up the party to more women and minorities, making it more democratic and inclusive.

In 1976, Harris ran for the Democratic presidential nomination but dropped out after struggling in early primaries. His moderate opponent, Jimmy Carter, won the nomination and went on to become president. After his political career, Harris moved to New Mexico, where he taught political science at the University of New Mexico and wrote extensively, authoring numerous books on politics and government.

Harris was a staunch advocate for the middle and working class, often describing himself as a populist and progressive. He was a strong critic of concentrated political and corporate power, particularly the influence of money in politics. Along with his first wife, LaDonna, a Comanche, he was also deeply involved in Native American issues.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham paid tribute to Harris, calling him an “honorable man” who led with “warmth, generosity, and good humor.” The Democratic Party of New Mexico also honored Harris for his integrity and his pioneering work in making the party a champion for equality and opportunity for all.

Throughout his career, Harris was committed to the fight for civil rights and social justice. He served on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, or the Kerner Commission, which issued a landmark 1968 report warning of the growing divide between black and white Americans. In the 1990s, Harris co-authored a report noting that the commission’s predictions had unfortunately come true, citing the widening gap between the rich and poor, and the disproportionate suffering of minorities.

Fred Harris was born on November 13, 1930, in a rural farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma. Growing up in poverty, he worked from a young age to help support his family and put himself through school. He attended the University of Oklahoma, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. Harris first entered politics in 1956 when he was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, and by 1964, he was making his mark on the national stage, winning a seat in the U.S. Senate after defeating sports legend Charles “Bud” Wilkinson.

Harris is survived by his second wife, Margaret Elliston, and his children from his first marriage, Kathryn, Byron, and Laura. His passing marks the loss of a key figure in the civil rights movement, the fight for economic justice, and the transformation of the Democratic Party into a more inclusive institution.

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