Fred Harris, a one-time U.S. senator from Oklahoma and Democratic presidential candidate, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the age of 94. His passing 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 was born on November 13, 1930, in a small farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma. His early life was characterized by modesty as he began working on the family farm at the tender age of five, driving a horse in circles for a hay baler and earning a daily wage of 10 cents.
Harris’s political journey started in the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served from 1956 to 1964. He entered the U.S. Senate in 1964 through a special election to fill the seat left vacant by the late Senator Robert S. Kerr. Harris secured re-election in 1966 and served until 1973.
During his tenure as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970, Harris spearheaded significant reforms in the party’s delegate selection process. His rule changes led to increased representation of women and minorities as convention delegates and in leadership roles. Reflecting on the impact of these reforms in 2004, Harris said, “I think it’s worked wonderfully. It’s made the selection much more legitimate and democratic.”
Additionally, Harris was an appointed member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission. The commission, established by President Lyndon Johnson, was tasked with examining the urban race riots of the 1960s. In its landmark report in 1968, the commission observed, “Our nation is moving toward two societies—separate and unequal.”
After an unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976, Harris relocated to New Mexico and began teaching political science at the University of New Mexico. Over his career, he authored and edited more than a dozen books, focusing primarily on politics and Congress.
Throughout his life, Harris was a staunch advocate for civil rights and anti-poverty programs. Together with his first wife, LaDonna, a Comanche, he was deeply involved in Native American issues. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham lauded 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.”
News of Harris’s death was met with profound sadness by New Mexico’s leaders, former students, and colleagues at the University of New Mexico. Many mourned the loss of the influential Democratic lawmaker, prolific author, and inspirational educator, noting the enduring impact of his teachings and example.
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury remembered Harris as a steadfast advocate for public service who inspired numerous individuals to embark on a similar path. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján emphasized that while Harris was recognized nationally as a senator, chairman, and professor, he was also cherished as a friend and mentor by New Mexicans.
Harris leaves behind his wife, Margaret Elliston, and his three children from his first marriage: Kathryn, Byron, and Laura.
