Fred Harris, known for his work as a US Senator and advocate for Democratic Party reforms, died on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death.
“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 said in a text message.
Harris represented Oklahoma in the US Senate for eight years, beginning in 1964 when he filled a vacant seat. He became chairman of the Democratic National Committee in 1969 and remained in that position through 1970. During this time, he worked to unite the party following internal conflicts at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
After leaving the Senate, Harris relocated to New Mexico in 1976. He taught political science at the University of New Mexico and authored or edited over a dozen books. He focused primarily on politics and Congress, later exploring fiction with a mystery novel set in Oklahoma during the Great Depression.
Throughout his career, Harris advocated for civil rights and anti-poverty programs, consistently supporting policies designed to assist minorities and disadvantaged populations.
