Fred Harris, Former Senator and Presidential Candidate, Passes Away at 94

Fred Harris, a towering figure in Oklahoma politics and a two-time Democratic presidential contender, passed away at the age of 94.

According to his wife, Margaret Elliston, Harris died peacefully on Saturday of natural causes. Though no specific location was provided, Harris had spent his later years in Corrales, New Mexico, as reported by Trending Politics News.

“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,” Elliston shared with the Associated Press.

Celebrate Trump’s Historic 2024 Victory with the Exclusive Trump 47th President Collection!

The New Mexico Democratic Party issued a statement commemorating Harris’s long career in public service and dedication to progressive ideals. “The Democratic Party mourns the loss of one of our greatest giants with the passing of Fred Harris as we remember the seemingly countless contributions he made to our country, party, and New Mexico,” the statement read.

The Democratic Party mourns the loss of one of our greatest giants with the passing of Fred Harris as we remember the seemingly countless contributions he made to our country, party, and New Mexico. pic.twitter.com/xYBWvFj5aH

— Democratic Party of New Mexico (@NMDEMS) November 23, 2024

The party highlighted his roles as U.S. Senator, Democratic National Committee chair, author, and mentor, hailing his commitment to “equity and opportunity for prosperity.”

Born in 1930 in rural Cotton County, Oklahoma, Harris began his political career in the Oklahoma State Senate before rising to the U.S. Senate in 1964. His victory came after defeating Gov. J. Howard Edmondson in the Democratic primary and narrowly edging out football legend Bud Wilkinson in the general election. At just 33, Harris was one of the youngest senators in U.S. history.

During his time in the Senate, Harris was a staunch supporter of Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society programs, despite their unpopularity in his predominantly conservative state. His eight-year tenure also saw him advocate for civil rights and anti-discrimination measures.

Harris later made unsuccessful bids for the presidency in 1972 and 1976, running on progressive platforms that failed to gain traction nationally.

After leaving the Senate, Harris chaired the Democratic National Committee and became a prominent voice in national Democratic politics. Despite speculation about potential vice-presidential opportunities, he returned to academia following his political career, teaching political science at the University of New Mexico.

Harris authored or edited nearly two dozen books, reflecting on his life and the political landscape. In a nod to his modest post-Senate life, Harris once quipped, “It keeps you out of the pool hall, as we used to say back home.”

Fred Harris leaves behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for progressive causes and public service. Though his ambitions for the presidency were unfulfilled, his impact on American politics remains undeniable.