Fred Harris, the former U.S. senator from Oklahoma known for his progressive stances and his attempts to reform the Democratic Party during the tumultuous 1960s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death, noting he succumbed to natural causes. "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," she stated.
Harris, who served eight years in the Senate, first came to prominence after winning previously vacated seats and became known as a voice for populist ideals and civil rights. He was elected to the Senate in 1964 and made significant contributions to Democratic Party reforms as the chair of the Democratic National Committee between 1969 and 1970.
During his leadership, Harris worked hard to heal the division within the party following the chaotic 1968 Democratic National Convention marked by protests against the Vietnam War. This difficult period had deeply impacted the party’s image, and Harris was instrumental in ushering rule changes aimed at increasing the representation of women and minorities as delegates. "The Democratic Party was not democratic, and many of the delegations were pretty much boss-controlled or dominated. And in the South, there was terrible discrimination against African Americans," he remarked.
While his alterations to the delegate selection process introduced much-needed diversity, they also limited the excitement often found at national conventions, which he acknowledged in later reflections. Despite challenges, Harris believed the reforms made the political process more legitimate and democratic.
Harris's 1976 presidential run emphasized his progressive platform but saw him withdrawing after failing to secure the nomination, which eventually went to Jimmy Carter. Reflecting on his campaign years later, he described the disappointment experienced during the fraught election season, stating, "I think it’s made the selection much more legitimate and democratic." Harris later moved to New Mexico and transitioned to academia, taking up teaching political science at the University of New Mexico.
Throughout his career, he was also noted for his fervent dedication to civil rights and anti-poverty programs, aiming to alleviate the suffering faced by minorities and the disadvantaged. His activism didn't stop there. Alongside his first wife, LaDonna, who was Comanche, he was active in advocating for Native American issues. "I’ve always called myself a populist or progressive. I’m against concentrated power. I don’t like the power of money in politics. I think we ought to have programs for the middle class and working class," Harris stated during one of his interviews.
The legacy of his political work includes participation on notable committees like the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission, appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This commission explored the urban riots of the late 1960s and produced the landmark report stating, "Our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal." Harris continued this work decades later, articulately advocating the report's conclusions by stating, "The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer and minorities are suffering disproportionately."
The effects of his governance and insight extended beyond politics, echoing particularly during the late 1960s when Harris co-chaired Hubert Humphrey's presidential campaign. Although he pushed for breaking away from the Johnson stance on Vietnam, Humphrey’s delayed response contributed to his narrow loss to Richard Nixon.
Harris was born on November 13, 1930, on the family farm near Walters, Oklahoma, where his humble beginnings shaped his views on poverty and empowerment. He often reflected on his youth, sharing experiences of toiling on the farm from the age of five and working various jobs to support his education. He graduated with both bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma, eventually entering state politics before ascending to the Senate.
After his political career, Harris authored and edited over a dozen books focusing on politics and social issues, even publishing a mystery novel set during the Depression. He remained preeminently influenced by the values of equality and accessibility throughout his life.
Despite the passage of time, Harris's contributions were remembered by many, including current politicians who acknowledged his integrity and dedication to progressive values. "Democrats everywhere will recall Fred for his unparalleled integrity and as a pioneer instituting core progressive values of equity and opportunity," remarked the Democratic Party of New Mexico.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised Harris’s honor and character: "He was decent, honorable, and treated everyone with warmth, generosity, and good humor. Sen. Harris remains the kind of leader we should all strive to emulate." Harris leaves behind three children from his first marriage to LaDonna and his second wife, Margaret Elliston.
Reflecting on his life and legacy, Harris often expressed pride and remorse alike about his experiences, summarizing challenges faced during significant historical events. His memory, as his wife noted, will undoubtedly remain cherished by those who valued his contributions to American democracy and civil rights.
