Former U.S. Senator Fred Harris Dies at 94

Fred Harris, the former U.S. senator from Oklahoma and a prominent figure in progressive politics, passed away at the age of 94. Known for his commitment to civil rights and economic justice, Harris served in the Senate from 1964 to 1972 and was a key advocate during the Great Society initiatives of President Lyndon Johnson. He also ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972 and 1976, though he did not secure the nomination. Harris's legacy includes his role on the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, which aimed to address racial and social inequalities. Following his political career, he remained an influential voice advocating for the poor and marginalized, expressing disappointment in the Democratic Party's focus on poverty issues. Many in Oklahoma reflect on his impact and regard him as a mentor and hero in the fight for social justice.