Fred Harris, Former U.S. Senator and Populist Advocate, Dies at 94

Fred Harris, a prominent figure in American politics and a self-described populist Democrat from Oklahoma, has passed away. He was 94 years old. His death marks the end of an era for a man who dedicated much of his life to advocating for the rights of the middle and working classes in an often tumultuous political landscape.

A Peaceful Passing

Harris’s wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his death to the Associated Press in a heartfelt message on Saturday. She stated, “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.” His passing occurred in a hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he had been residing.

Early Political Career

Harris began his political journey in 1956 when he was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate, a position he held for eight years. His entry into national politics came in 1964 when he won a Senate seat to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator Robert S. Kerr, who had died in January 1963. With a background that emphasized grassroots movements and progressive values, Harris quickly made a name for himself as a powerful voice in the Senate.

Advocating for the Common Good

Harris often described himself as a “populist or progressive,” believing firmly in combating the concentration of power and the influence of money within the political system. In a 1998 interview, he expressed his commitment to supporting programs aimed at uplifting the middle class and working class, stating, “I’m against concentrated power.”

Civil Rights and Social Justice

During his tenure, Harris was appointed to the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, commonly known as the Kerner Commission, which was established by President Lyndon Johnson in response to the urban riots of the late 1960s. The commission’s pivotal 1968 report warned that “our nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white — separate and unequal.”

Three decades later, Harris co-authored a follow-up report that affirmed the commission’s dire predictions, asserting that the socioeconomic divide had only widened, with “the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer and minorities suffering disproportionately.”

The 1976 Presidential Bid

In 1976, Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination but ultimately suspended his campaign after a lack of support in early contests. The nomination and subsequent presidency were won by the more moderate Jimmy Carter, but Harris’s political career continued to influence Democratic policies in the years to follow.

An Academic and Literary Pursuit

After leaving the political arena, Harris made a significant career shift to academia, moving to New Mexico, where he served as a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. In addition to his teaching, he authored and edited more than a dozen books, primarily focused on politics and Congress, showcasing his enduring commitment to political discourse. In 1999, he expanded his literary endeavors, penning a mystery novel set during the Great Depression in Oklahoma.

Personal Background

Fred Harris was born on November 13, 1930, in a two-room farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma. His humble beginnings shaped his worldview; the farm, devoid of modern amenities such as electricity and running water, instilled a strong work ethic in him from a young age. At just five years old, he was already helping out on the family farm, earning 10 cents a day by driving a horse that powered a hay bailer. This industrious spirit propelled him through challenges, including working part-time as a janitor and printer’s assistant while pursuing education at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a law degree in 1954. Following his graduation, he practiced law in Lawton before embarking on his political career.

Family Life

Harris married his high school sweetheart, LaDonna Vita Crawford, in 1949, and together they had three children: Kathryn, Byron, and Laura. After their divorce, he found love again with Margaret Elliston, whom he married in 1983, continuing to cherish his role as a devoted family man.

A Legacy of Service

Fred Harris’s journey from humble beginnings to the halls of the U.S. Senate is a testament to the impact of dedicated public service. His steadfast commitment to addressing social inequality and advocating for the everyday person remains a remarkable chapter in American political history.

As tributes pour in from across the political spectrum, it is clear that Fred Harris’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of politicians and activists committed to social justice and equality. His life was not just one of political ambition but of genuine concern for the welfare of others—a quality that will be remembered and cherished by those who knew him.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.