Fred Harris, the former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and a notable figure in the Democratic Party during the dramatic 1960s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, shared the news, stating that he died peacefully of natural causes. She expressed her affection for him, stating, “He was a wonderful and beloved man. His memory is a blessing.”
Harris began his political journey when he was elected to the Senate in 1964, initially stepping in to fill a vacancy. He served for eight years and played a pivotal role in the Democratic National Committee as its chairman from 1969 to 1970. During a time when the party was deeply divided following the chaotic 1968 national convention, where tensions erupted between protesters and law enforcement in Chicago, his leadership was crucial in facilitating reconciliation within the party.
In 1976, Harris relocated to New Mexico where he transitioned from politics to academia, becoming a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. In addition to his work in education, he authored and edited over a dozen publications, primarily focusing on politics and legislative processes. In 1999, he expanded his literary repertoire by penning a mystery novel set during the Great Depression in Oklahoma.
Harris was celebrated for being a progressive voice throughout his career, advocating for civil rights and championing anti-poverty initiatives aimed at assisting minorities and those in need. His legacy as a passionate reformer and advocate remains influential in discussions about social justice and equality in America.