Fred R. Harris, Senator Who Ran for President, Dies at 94

Fred R. Harris, a former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, passed away at the age of 94. Harris, a Democrat from Oklahoma, served in the Senate from 1964 to 1973, and later made an unsuccessful bid for the presidency in 1976.

Harris was born in 1930 in Walters, Oklahoma, and grew up in a working-class family. He attended the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a degree in economics and law. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, Harris returned to Oklahoma to practice law and eventually entered politics.

Harris was elected to the Senate in 1964, where he quickly made a name for himself as a champion of civil rights and social justice. He was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and pushed for reforms to help lift people out of poverty. Harris was known for his progressive views and his dedication to fighting for the underprivileged.

In 1976, Harris announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination. While he was not considered a front-runner, Harris campaigned on a platform of economic justice and social equality. Despite his grassroots support, Harris ultimately lost the nomination to Jimmy Carter, who went on to win the presidency.

After leaving the Senate, Harris continued to be an active voice in Democratic politics, serving on various committees and advocating for progressive causes. He also taught at the University of New Mexico and authored several books on public policy and politics.

Harris will be remembered as a principled and dedicated public servant who fought tirelessly for the rights of all Americans. His legacy will live on in the policies he championed and the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Fred R. Harris.