SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Saturday issued the following statement on the death of former U.S. Senator Fred Harris.

“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.”