By Kevin Hendricks, The Corrales Comment
Fred Harris, a Corrales resident, former U.S. senator from Oklahoma, presidential hopeful and de facto leader of the Democratic Party in the 1960s and 70s, died Nov. 23. He was 94.
Harris’ wife, Margaret Elliston, is the former chair of New Mexico Democratic Party.
Harris served eight years in the Senate, first winning in 1964, and made unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1976.
Harris had lived in New Mexico since 1976 and was “Corrales’ most prominent figure,” according to Corrales Comment founder Jeff Radford.
“Fred was a friend and inspiration. We both moved to Corrales at about the same time and subsequently valued each other’s work,” Radford said. “He was —is— a fantastic model of ‘radical optimism.’”
Here’s how some other prominent New Mexico figures reacted to the news of Harris’ death.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my longtime friend Fred Harris today. Sen. Harris was a towering presence in politics and in academia, and his work over many decades improved New Mexico and the nation. During a long and distinguished career, Fred Harris served as a two-term Democratic senator from Oklahoma, chairman of the Democratic National Committee and later as a beloved and respected professor of political science at the University of New Mexico.
A passionate champion of Native American rights, Sen. Harris sponsored legislation signed into law by President Richard Nixon that restored land to Taos Pueblo seized by President Theodore Roosevelt and designated as the Carson National Forest early in the 20th century.
Later, through his work in academia, Sen. Harris shaped the lives of countless University of New Mexico students who learned firsthand from a political legend about the importance of democracy, good governance, and civil political discourse. The Fred Harris Congressional Internship program provided UNM students with opportunities to work on Capitol Hill and learn about the inner workings of Congress and the federal government. Sen. Harris was also a brilliant and prolific author who wrote 23 books, including three novels.
In addition to being a highly accomplished politician and professor, he was a decent, honorable man who treated everyone with warmth, generosity and good humor. Sen. Harris was a lesson in leadership that public officials would be wise to emulate now and forever.
Manny and I are grateful for Sen. Harris’ immense contributions to our state and our nation. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues as we mourn his passing today.”
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend, Fred Harris, a legend in New Mexico and across the country. A courageous champion for the underdog and for justice, he made us better citizens, and gave us the invaluable gift of hope for a brighter future. Fred Harris was beloved by generations of his students, a testament to his greatness as a teacher, a mentor and a person. His passing leaves a great hole in the life of our state and in the lives of many of its residents.”
Democratic Party of New Mexico Chair Jessica Velasquez
“The Democratic Party mourns the loss of one of our greatest giants with the passing of Fred Harris as we remember the seemingly countless contributions he made to our country, party and New Mexico. As Democratic National Committee Chair, U.S. Senator, activist, author, mentor and so much more, Democrats everywhere will remember Fred for his unparalleled integrity and as a pioneer for instituting core progressive values of equity and opportunity for prosperity as core tenets of our party.
“Fred had many roles throughout his legendary career including Democratic National Committee Chair, U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, scholar, mentor and so much more. He was a delegate to 14 Democratic National Conventions, including 2024 in Chicago. After serving as U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and DNC Chair, Fred made New Mexico his home where he would become one the most prominent figures in our party for decades.
“As a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, Fred established an internship program that mentored dozens of young New Mexicans into future leaders. Among his many accolades, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Democratic Party of New Mexico at our recent 2024 Rising Star Gala in September. Going forward, the Democratic Party of New Mexico will name its annual Lifetime Achievement Award in his honor.
“The Democratic Party of New Mexico’s thoughts are with his wife, past DPNM Chair Marg Elliston, the rest of his family and many friends. Fred Harris’ memory will inspire New Mexico Democrats to help others whenever we can and continue fighting for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.”
U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)
“I am devastated to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator Fred Harris, a tireless and unyielding hero in our community who spent his career dedicated to fighting for democracy and justice. Throughout his life and tenure as a public servant, he served as a United States Senator, Chairman of the Democratic National Party and as a national and local leader on countless issues.
“He advocated for Native American and Civil Rights, the return of sacred lands to New Mexico’s Pueblos, and the passage of the Great Society programs that helped lift millions of Americans out of poverty.
“In New Mexico, he has been a tireless civic leader, including starting the Fred Harris fellowship program, which has brought hundreds of University of New Mexico students to Washington D.C. as interns to experience life working in Congress and setting them on a path to leadership. He has inspired thousands to take up public service.
“As a dear friend, colleague and hero, he will be deeply missed and leave a hole in our community that can never be replaced. His legacy will live on in all of the young people that he inspired and mentored on their way to becoming leaders in the ongoing fight for justice.”
New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque)
“Throughout his long, distinguished career, Senator Fred Harris was guided by a strong moral compass. In the United States Senate, he was a fearless champion of civil rights, tribal sovereignty and working people. Later, as a political science professor at the University of New Mexico and a prolific author, he continued to push for fairness, human rights and equality.
He also became deeply involved in New Mexico politics, supporting many more champions of Democratic values to run for elected office themselves. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service above self. My heart goes out to his entire family, and all who knew and loved Fred. He will be sorely missed at Democratic Party functions and at the Barelas Athletic Club, of which he was a founding member.”