Fred Harris, a prominent figure in American politics, will forever be remembered for his passionate advocacy for civil rights, progressive reforms, and his unyielding commitment to democratic values. The former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and one-time presidential candidate passed away on Saturday at the age of 94. His wife, Margaret Elliston, confirmed his peaceful passing from natural causes. Harris left behind a legacy that reshaped the Democratic Party and inspired generations to champion equity and justice.
Early Life: From Humble Beginnings to Political Ambition
Fred Roy Harris was born on November 13, 1930, in a modest two-room farmhouse near Walters, Oklahoma. Growing up without electricity or running water, Harris learned the value of hard work early. By the age of five, he was earning ten cents a day operating a hay bailer. Despite the hardships, he persevered, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 1952, followed by a law degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1954.
His modest upbringing fueled his populist ideology and desire to fight for the underprivileged. In 1956, he began his political journey by winning a seat in the Oklahoma state Senate. His rise to national prominence began in 1964 when he secured a U.S. Senate seat, defeating former Oklahoma football coach Charles “Bud” Wilkinson in a high-profile race.
Senate Career: Advocacy for Civil Rights and Democratic Reforms
During his eight years in the Senate, Harris emerged as a staunch advocate for civil rights, anti-poverty programs, and progressive reforms. He consistently championed causes to uplift minorities and the working class, earning a reputation as a leading liberal voice in Congress.
Harris served as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1969 to 1970, a time when the party was deeply divided after the chaotic 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Under his leadership, Harris spearheaded reforms that made the Democratic Party more inclusive, ensuring greater representation for women, minorities, and grassroots activists in convention delegations and leadership roles.
Reflecting on these changes decades later, Harris remarked, “The Democratic Party was not democratic… It’s made the selection much more legitimate and democratic.”
Presidential Ambitions and Legacy in Politics
Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976, running on a populist platform that resonated with middle-class and working-class Americans. Despite his passionate campaign, Harris ended his bid after a lackluster performance in early primaries. The nomination ultimately went to Jimmy Carter, who later became president.
Although Harris never reached the White House, his efforts laid the groundwork for progressive ideals within the Democratic Party. As a member of the Kerner Commission, he contributed to the 1968 report that famously warned of America’s trajectory toward “two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal.” Decades later, Harris co-authored a follow-up report, lamenting that the issues of inequality and poverty had only worsened.
Post-Senate Career: Educator, Author, and Advocate
After leaving the Senate in 1972, Harris moved to New Mexico, where he transitioned into academia as a political science professor at the University of New Mexico. Over the years, he authored and edited more than a dozen books on politics and history, including a mystery novel set in Depression-era Oklahoma.
Harris also remained an outspoken advocate for Native American rights, working closely with his first wife, LaDonna Harris, a Comanche activist, to advance indigenous causes. His commitment to progressive values never waned, and his writings continued to shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities.
Tributes to a Progressive Pioneer
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham hailed Harris as a model of integrity and leadership, praising his dedication to equity and justice. The Democratic Party of New Mexico also honored his legacy, describing him as a trailblazer who embedded progressive ideals of opportunity and fairness into the party’s core principles.
Norman Ornstein, a political scientist, noted that Harris’s populist rhetoric resonated deeply with ordinary Americans, particularly those disenfranchised by the political elite.
Personal Life and Enduring Influence
Harris married his high school sweetheart, LaDonna Vita Crawford, in 1949, and the couple had three children together. After their divorce, he married Margaret Elliston in 1983, who remained by his side until his passing.
Throughout his life, Harris never wavered in his commitment to the ideals he held dear: fairness, equality, and the fight against concentrated power. His journey from a modest Oklahoma farm to the halls of Congress serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and conviction.
Conclusion
Fred Harris’s life was a testament to the power of progressive ideals and the importance of fighting for equality and justice. From his humble beginnings in Oklahoma to his transformative role in American politics, Harris left an indelible mark on the Democratic Party and the nation. His legacy continues to inspire those who seek to build a fairer and more equitable society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What were Fred Harris’s main contributions to the Democratic Party?
Fred Harris spearheaded reforms that increased representation for women, minorities, and grassroots activists in the Democratic Party, making the delegate selection process more democratic and inclusive.
2. What was the Kerner Commission, and what role did Fred Harris play?
The Kerner Commission, appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, investigated the causes of urban riots in the 1960s. Harris was a member and co-authored its landmark 1968 report, which highlighted systemic racial inequalities in the United States.
3. Did Fred Harris run for president?
Yes, Fred Harris ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1976 on a populist platform but withdrew after poor results in early primaries.
4. How did Fred Harris contribute to Native American rights?
Fred Harris, along with his first wife, LaDonna Harris, an indigenous activist, championed Native American rights and supported initiatives aimed at improving conditions for Native communities.
5. What books did Fred Harris write?
Fred Harris authored over a dozen books on politics, Congress, and social issues, as well as a mystery novel set during the Great Depression.