Walters, OK — Fred Harris, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and a notable figure in national politics, died early Saturday morning at the age of 94, according to his wife, Margaret Elliston. Harris, who also vied for the Democratic presidential nomination, died of natural causes, leaving behind a legacy marked by his advocacy for civil rights and his transformative impact on the Democratic party’s structures.
Born into modest beginnings on November 13, 1930, Harris’s early life on a small Oklahoma farm was characterized by hard work from a young age. He made his foray into politics as a state senator in Oklahoma, serving an eight-year term before he escalated to the national stage in a 1964 special election to succeed the late Senator Robert S. Kerr. Harris solidified his reputation during two terms in the U.S. Senate, championing progressive causes until his departure in 1973.
Notably, Harris’s influence extended into his role as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee between 1969 and 1970, where he spearheaded critical reforms in the delegate selection process for presidential conventions. His policies were pivotal in increasing diversity within the party’s representation, a move he later celebrated as enhancing the democratic legitimacy of the selection process.
His tenure also included participation in the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, known as the Kerner Commission. The commission’s report, which famously concluded that the nation was “moving toward two societies—separate and unequal,” underscored the deep-seated racial divisions of the time and underscored the urgent need for reform.
After an unsuccessful presidential run in 1976, Harris transitioned into academia, relocating to New Mexico to serve as a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico. His academic career was distinguished by his authorship of over a dozen books focusing on politics and legislative processes.
Harris’s commitment to civil rights was complemented by his active participation in Native American rights, influenced in part by his first wife, LaDonna, who was of Comanche heritage. This advocacy was part of his broader commitment to social justice, themes that resonated throughout his career both in and out of the Senate.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised Harris as “a highly accomplished politician and professor” whose decency and humor touched the lives of many in the state and beyond. Similarly, U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury and Senator Ben Ray Luján articulated deep respect for Harris, remembering him not only for his national roles but as a cherished local mentor and friend.
Harris’s death has prompted an outpouring of tributes, reflecting on his pivotal role in American politics, his inspirational teaching, and his dedication to public service. His legacy survives through his extended family, including his wife, Margaret Elliston, and his three children, Kathryn, Byron, and Laura, spotlighting a life marked by perseverance, service, and an unbending commitment to equality.