Fred Harris, a prominent political figure known for championing civil rights and Democratic Party reforms, passed away at 94. His legacy spans decades of service, including his role as a U.S. senator, presidential candidate, and political reformer.
A Life of Service and Reform
Fred Harris, a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and a Democratic presidential hopeful, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death, stating he passed peacefully of natural causes. Harris had lived in New Mexico since 1976 and was a resident of Corrales.
Harris served eight years in the Senate, beginning in 1964, and became known for his dedication to civil rights and anti-poverty initiatives. He later chaired the Democratic National Committee, where he implemented reforms to increase diversity in the party’s leadership and delegate selection.
Political Reforms and Party Leadership
As chairman of the Democratic National Committee in the late 1960s, Harris worked to address the party’s challenges following the chaotic 1968 national convention. His efforts led to significant changes, ensuring greater representation of women and minorities within the party.
“The Democratic Party was not democratic,” Harris once remarked. His initiatives were instrumental in making the party’s processes more inclusive and transparent.
Presidential Ambitions
Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 but ended his campaign after poor results in early primaries. Despite his loss, his progressive platform and populist ideals left a lasting impression on the party.
Contributions to Academia and Literature
After leaving the Senate, Harris moved to New Mexico, where he became a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. He authored and edited numerous books on politics and Congress, showcasing his deep understanding of American political systems. In 1999, he ventured into fiction, writing a mystery set in Depression-era Oklahoma.
A Voice for Civil Rights and the Disadvantaged
Throughout his career, Harris was a staunch advocate for civil rights and anti-poverty measures. He also played a significant role in Native American issues, influenced by his first wife, LaDonna Harris, a Comanche activist. Harris’ dedication to equity and justice earned him widespread respect.
Reflections on the Kerner Commission
As a member of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders (the Kerner Commission), Harris contributed to the landmark 1968 report that highlighted racial inequalities in America. Decades later, he co-authored a follow-up study that affirmed the persistence of these challenges, emphasizing the growing disparities between rich and poor.
A Humble Beginning
Born on November 13, 1930, in a two-room farmhouse in Walters, Oklahoma, Harris’ upbringing was modest. He worked various jobs to fund his education, eventually earning a law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1954. His early life instilled in him a deep commitment to serving the underprivileged.
Personal Life
Harris married LaDonna Vita Crawford in 1949, with whom he had three children. After their divorce, he married Margaret Elliston in 1983. Harris is remembered as a kind and honorable man who valued integrity and equity in all aspects of life.
Legacy and Tributes
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and the Democratic Party of New Mexico praised Harris for his contributions to the state and nation. “Sen. Harris was a lesson in leadership that public officials would be wise to emulate now and forever,” Lujan Grisham said.
Harris’ legacy as a progressive reformer and advocate for justice remains a beacon for future generations.
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