Fred R. Harris was a former U.S. senator from Oklahoma who once chaired the Democratic National Committee and twice sought a presidential nomination.
- Died: November 23, 2024 (Who else died on November 23?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 94 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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Fred R. Harris’ legacy
After serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee and being considered for Hubert Humphrey’s vice-presidential running mate in 1968, Harris twice made his own bid for president, in 1972 and 1976, but the longtime lawmaker did not make it through the primaries in either attempt.
He did, however, have a successful career as an Oklahoma state senator, then a United States senator representing the state, pushing for rule changes during his time as DNC chair that led to more women and minorities becoming political leaders.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma, Harris won election to the Oklahoma State Senate in 1956. Serving until 1964, his tenure included efforts to prohibit hiring discrimination based on race. That year, at just 33 years old, he made the leap to the U.S. Senate. Though serving in a conservative state, Harris supported the Voting Rights Act of 1965, pushed for anti-discrimination laws, and advocated for measures that would assist poor and minority communities. He was also a strong advocate of supporting agriculture, as well as the health initiatives for Oklahoma’s Native American population.
Harris opted not to run for another Senate term in 1972, instead throwing his hat into the presidential ring. He dropped out after just two months, but tried again in 1976, with a focus on working-class rights. After failing to make headway in the early primaries, Harris dropped out of the race and turned his attention to a new career: academics.
He spent the rest of his active days teaching political science at the University of New Mexico. He also became an author, penning political works including “The New Populism” and “America’s Democracy: The Ideal and the Reality,” personal memoirs like “Potomac Fever” and “Report from a Last Survivor,” as well as novels such as “Easy Pickin’s” and “Coyote Revenge.”
Notable quote
“We need to understand that perfect candidates don’t run for office. If they did, I would never have been elected.” — interview with the Sandoval County Democratic Party, 2023
Tributes to Fred R. Harris
Full obituary: Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette
