Fred Harris, a former U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, populist leader, and champion of Democratic Party reforms, passed away peacefully on Saturday at the age of 94. His death, due to natural causes, was confirmed by his wife, Margaret Elliston. Harris had resided in New Mexico since 1976, where he became a prominent academic and author.
Harris served in the Senate for eight years, beginning in 1964, and made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1976. Known for his progressive policies, he advocated for civil rights, anti-poverty initiatives, and reforms that increased diversity and inclusivity within the Democratic Party.
“Fred Harris was a towering presence in politics and academia,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, highlighting his enduring contributions to the state and the nation. Senator Martin Heinrich described Harris as a “tireless champion of civil rights, tribal sovereignty, and working families,” and commended his brand of populism, which was inclusive and focused on supporting overlooked communities.
As chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970, Harris played a pivotal role in healing the party following the tumultuous 1968 Democratic National Convention. His leadership ushered in reforms that empowered women and minorities in the political process, leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity.
Born on November 13, 1930, in Walters, Oklahoma, Harris rose from humble beginnings on a rural farm to prominence in national politics. He earned his law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1954 and began his political career in the Oklahoma State Senate before transitioning to national office.
Harris was deeply committed to addressing inequality, co-authoring reports that highlighted racial and economic disparities, including a follow-up to the Kerner Commission’s findings on urban unrest in the 1960s.
In later years, Harris became a professor at the University of New Mexico, where he authored books on politics and even ventured into fiction. His contributions to civil rights, party reform, and public service remain his enduring legacy.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, and his three children from his first marriage.