Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her sorrow over the death of former U.S. Senator Fred Harris, issuing a statement on Saturday to honor his legacy.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my longtime friend Fred Harris today," she stated. "Sen. Harris was a towering presence in politics and in academia, and his work over many decades improved New Mexico and the nation."

Fred Harris served as a Democratic senator from Oklahoma for two terms and chaired the Democratic National Committee. He later became a professor of political science at the University of New Mexico.

He was known for advocating Native American rights, sponsoring legislation signed by President Richard Nixon that returned land to Taos Pueblo previously taken under President Theodore Roosevelt's administration.

In academia, Sen. Harris influenced many students at the University of New Mexico, imparting lessons on democracy and governance. The Fred Harris Congressional Internship program offered UNM students insights into congressional operations.

As an author, he penned 23 books, including three novels. Gov. Lujan Grisham praised him as "a decent, honorable man who treated everyone with warmth, generosity, and good humor."

She concluded by saying, "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."