Fred Harris, a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and Democratic presidential hopeful, died Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death, stating, “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.”
Born on November 13, 1930, in a two-room farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma, Harris’s early life was marked by humble beginnings. At age five, he worked on the family farm, earning 10 cents a day to drive a horse in circles to supply power for a hay baler.
Harris’ political career began in the Oklahoma State Senate, where he served from 1956 to 1964. In 1964, he won a special election to the U.S. Senate, filling the vacancy left by the late Senator Robert S. Kerr. He was re-elected in 1966 and served until 1973.
As chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970, Harris played a pivotal role in reforming the party’s delegate selection process. He ushered in rule changes, leading to more women and minorities as convention delegates and in leadership positions. Harris reflected on these reforms in 2004: “I think it’s worked wonderfully. It’s made the selection much more legitimate and democratic.”
Harris was also a member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, known as the Kerner Commission, which President Lyndon Johnson appointed to investigate the 1960s riots. The commission’s groundbreaking report in 1968 stated, “Our nation is moving toward two societies—separate and unequal.”
Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 but withdrew after poor showings in early contests. Following his political career, he moved to New Mexico and became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. He authored and edited over a dozen books, mostly on politics and Congress.
Harris was a vocal advocate for civil rights and anti-poverty programs throughout his life. Along with his first wife, LaDonna, a Comanche, he was active in Native American issues. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised his work for their shared state and the nation, 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.”
Leaders across New Mexico, along with former students and colleagues from the University of New Mexico, expressed deep sorrow over the death of Fred Harris. Remembered as a skilled Democratic lawmaker, prolific author, and inspiring educator, he left a lasting impact on those who learned from his example.
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury reflected on Harris as an unwavering advocate for public service who motivated countless individuals to follow his path. U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján noted that while Harris was known nationally as a senator, chairman, and professor to New Mexicans, he was cherished as a friend and mentor.
Harris is survived by his wife, Margaret Elliston, and his three children from his first marriage: Kathryn, Byron, and Laura.