On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Fred Harris, an ex-U.S. senator for Oklahoma and Democratic presidential candidate, passed away at the age of 94. His death was confirmed by his wife, Margaret Elliston, who said, “Fred Harris passed peacefully early this morning of natural causes. He was 94. He was a wonderful and beloved man. His memory is a blessing.”

Harris, born on November 13, 1930, in a small farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma, was raised in humble circumstances. By the age of five, he was already working on his family’s farm, earning 10 cents per day by driving a horse in circles to power a hay baler.

His political journey began in the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served from 1956 to 1964. Harris transitioned to the U.S. Senate in 1964 through a special election, stepping into the role left vacant by the late Senator Robert S. Kerr. He won re-election in 1966 and continued to serve until 1973.

From 1969 to 1970, Harris held the position of chairman of the Democratic National Committee. During his tenure, he was instrumental in reforming the party’s delegate selection process, leading to a more diverse representation of women and minorities at conventions and in leadership roles. Reflecting on these changes in 2004, Harris stated, “I think it’s worked wonderfully. It’s made the selection much more legitimate and democratic.”

Harris was also appointed to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission, by President Lyndon Johnson. The commission was tasked with investigating the urban race riots of the 1960s. Its seminal 1968 report declared, “Our nation is moving toward two societies—separate and unequal.”

In 1976, Harris ran for the Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew due to lackluster performance in early contests. After his political career, he relocated to New Mexico and began teaching political science at the University of New Mexico. He published and edited over a dozen books, mainly focusing on politics and Congress.

Throughout his life, Harris was a staunch supporter of civil rights and anti-poverty programs. Along with his first wife, LaDonna, who was a Comanche, he was actively involved in Native American issues. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham commended his contributions to their state and the country, stating, “In addition to being a highly accomplished politician and professor, he was a decent, honorable man who treated everyone with warmth, generosity, and good humor.”

New Mexico leaders, former students, and colleagues from the University of New Mexico expressed their profound grief at the passing of Fred Harris. He was remembered as a skilled Democratic legislator, prolific writer, and inspiring educator, leaving an indelible impact on those who followed in his footsteps.

Reflecting on Harris’s legacy, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury hailed him as a steadfast advocate for public service who inspired numerous individuals to emulate his path. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján emphasized that while Harris was known nationally as a senator, chairman, and professor, to New Mexicans he was cherished as a mentor and friend.

Surviving Harris are his wife, Margaret Elliston, and his three children from his first marriage: Kathryn, Byron, and Laura.