Sen. Fred Harris at the LBJ Presidential Library in 2018. Photo by Jay Godwin

From the Office of Speaker Javier Martínez:

SANTA FE – Following the news that former U.S. Sen. Fred Harris (D-Oklahoma) had passed away Saturday, New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque) issued the following statement: 

“Throughout his long, distinguished career, Sen. 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.

Editor’s note: Fred Roy Harris (Nov. 13, 1930-Nov. 23, 2024) served in the United States Senate from 1964 to 1973, representing Oklahoma. Harris left electoral politics for academia after 1976. He became a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico and wrote many books on political subjects. He lived in Corrales. Source: wikipedia.org