Rep. Stansbury’s Statement on the Passing of U.S. Senator Fred Harris

ALBUQUERQUE — U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01) released the following statement on the passing of U.S. Senator Fred Harris:

“I am devastated to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator Fred Harris, a tireless and unyielding hero in our community who spent his career dedicated to fighting for democracy and justice. Throughout his life and tenure as a public servant, he served as a United States Senator, Chairman of the Democratic National Party, and as a national and local leader on countless issues.

He advocated for Native American and Civil Rights, the return of sacred lands to New Mexico’s Pueblos, and the passage of the Great Society programs that helped lift millions of Americans out of poverty.

In New Mexico, he has been a tireless civic leader, including starting the Fred Harris fellowship program, which has brought hundreds of University of New Mexico students to Washington D.C. as interns to experience life working in Congress and setting them on a path to leadership. He has inspired thousands to take up public service.

As a dear friend, colleague, and hero, he will be deeply missed and leave a hole in our community that can never be replaced. His legacy will live on in all of the young people that he inspired and mentored on their way to becoming leaders in the ongoing fight for justice.”

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