Meet Kamala Devi Harris, born on 20th October 1964, is an American politician and attorney who has made history by becoming the 49th and current Vice President of the United States, serving alongside President Joe Biden since 2021. Notably, she is the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold this esteemed position, thereby becoming the highest-ranking female official in the history of the United States. A distinguished member of the Democratic Party, Harris has had a illustrious political career, previously serving as a United States Senator from California from 2017 to 2021 and the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017, showcasing her unwavering dedication to public service and leadership. Currently, she is the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party for the 2024 presidential election, poised to further break barriers in American politics.
Wiki
Full Name: Kamala Devi Harris
Date of Birth: October 20, 1964
Place of Birth: Oakland, California
Origin: Oakland, California
Nationality: American
Profession: Politician, Attorney
Net Worth: $10 Million
Early Life & Career
Kamala Devi Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, is an influential American politician, attorney, and the current Vice President of the United States. She has broken numerous barriers in her career, making history as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American Vice President. Her journey is marked by her dedication to public service, social justice, and breaking glass ceilings.
Kamala Harris was born to an intellectually stimulating family. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a pioneering biologist who made significant contributions to breast cancer research through her work on the progesterone receptor gene. Shyamala moved to the United States from India in 1958 as a 19-year-old graduate student. She studied nutrition and endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley, where she received her PhD in 1964.
Kamala’s father, Donald J. Harris, is of Jamaican American and Afro-Jamaican descent. He is an esteemed economist and a professor emeritus at Stanford University. Donald arrived in the United States from British Jamaica in 1961 for graduate studies at UC Berkeley, where he earned his PhD in economics in 1966. Kamala’s parents met at a college club for African-American students at UC Berkeley, where Shyamala had been invited to join.
In 1966, the Harris family relocated to Champaign, Illinois, where Kamala’s younger sister, Maya, was born. The family moved around the Midwest for a few years, as both parents held academic positions at various universities. In 1970, after her parents divorced, Kamala moved back to California with her mother and sister, settling in Berkeley.
Kamala’s childhood in Berkeley was characterized by her experiences in a diverse and politically active community. She attended Thousand Oaks Elementary School, which became integrated as part of Berkeley’s desegregation efforts. This early exposure to social justice issues profoundly influenced her worldview and career choices. Kamala has often spoken about how other children in Palo Alto, where her father lived, were not allowed to play with her and her sister because of their race, an experience that highlighted the racial prejudices she would later fight against in her career.
Kamala Harris’s professional journey began in 1990 when she was hired as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. Known for her competence and dedication, she quickly gained a reputation as an effective prosecutor. In 1994, she was appointed by California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission. During this period, she took a six-month leave of absence to fulfill her duties on these boards but returned to her prosecutorial work thereafter.
In February 1998, Kamala joined the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney under Terence Hallinan. She became the chief of the Career Criminal Division, overseeing the prosecution of serious offenses such as homicide, burglary, robbery, and sexual assault. Her role in prosecuting three-strikes cases was particularly notable.
In 2000, Kamala clashed with Darrell Salomon, Hallinan’s assistant, over Proposition 21, which allowed prosecutors to try juvenile defendants in Superior Court. Kamala opposed this measure, believing it was unjust. Following this clash, she was reassigned, which she perceived as a demotion. Kamala subsequently filed a complaint against Salomon and resigned from her position.
Kamala’s resignation from the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office did not mark the end of her public service career. Instead, it set the stage for her entry into politics. She was elected District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003, where she implemented progressive policies, including a program that offered first-time drug offenders the chance to earn a high school diploma and find employment.
Her success as District Attorney propelled her to statewide office. In 2010, she was elected Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. As Attorney General, Kamala tackled issues ranging from criminal justice reform to consumer protection and environmental justice. Her tenure was marked by significant legal battles and reforms, such as negotiating a significant settlement for homeowners affected by the foreclosure crisis and defending California’s landmark climate change laws.
In 2016, Kamala Harris was elected to the United States Senate, representing California. As a senator, she served on several key committees, including the Judiciary, Intelligence, and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committees. Her incisive questioning during Senate hearings, particularly during the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, garnered national attention and established her as a formidable figure in American politics.
Kamala’s tenure in the Senate was characterized by her advocacy for immigration reform, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform. She introduced and supported legislation aimed at addressing systemic issues, such as the bail reform bill, which sought to end the cash bail system.
In August 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate in the presidential election. Their campaign emphasized unity, racial justice, and rebuilding the economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Biden-Harris ticket won the election, and Kamala Harris was inaugurated as the 49th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2021. Her inauguration was historic, as she became the first woman, the first African American woman, and the first Asian American woman to hold the office.
As Vice President, Kamala Harris has focused on addressing critical issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, immigration, and climate change. She has been a key player in promoting the Biden administration’s agenda, working on initiatives to support small businesses, expand access to healthcare, and ensure equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
In August 2000, Kamala Harris embarked on a significant phase of her career by joining San Francisco City Hall, where she worked under the guidance of city attorney Louise Renne. Harris was entrusted with running the Family and Children’s Services Division, where she represented cases of child abuse and neglect. This role not only honed her prosecutorial skills but also reinforced her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations. Her work in this division earned her the endorsement of Renne during her campaign for District Attorney.
In 2012, Harris’s national profile received a considerable boost when she delivered a memorable address at the Democratic National Convention. Her compelling speech resonated with many and marked her as a rising star within the Democratic Party. Two years later, in 2014, she married attorney Douglas Emhoff, further solidifying her personal and professional life.
Recognizing her growing influence and leadership potential, party leaders recruited Harris to run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Barbara Boxer, who was set to retire. In early 2015, Harris declared her candidacy for the Senate. On the campaign trail, she passionately advocated for immigration and criminal-justice reform, an increase in the minimum wage, and the protection of women’s reproductive rights. Her progressive platform and robust campaign led to a decisive victory in the 2016 election.
When she assumed office in January 2017, Harris broke new ground as the first Indian American and only the second Black American woman to serve in the U.S. Senate. Her assignments on the Select Committee on Intelligence and the Judiciary Committee allowed her to leverage her legal expertise and prosecutorial experience. Harris became known for her incisive and rigorous questioning of witnesses during hearings, which often drew sharp criticism and interruptions from Republican senators. Her grilling of U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in June 2017, regarding alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, was particularly notable. Harris had previously called for Sessions’ resignation, underscoring her commitment to accountability and justice.
In January 2019, Harris published her memoir, “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey,” which offered insights into her life, values, and vision for America. Shortly after the release of her memoir, Harris announced her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in the 2020 election. From the outset, she was considered a leading contender, and her campaign drew significant attention. During a primary debate, Harris had a notable exchange with fellow candidate Joe Biden over his past opposition to school busing in the 1970s and 1980s, which highlighted her willingness to confront difficult issues related to race.
Despite a strong start, Harris’s campaign struggled to maintain momentum, and by December 2019, she decided to suspend her presidential bid. Nevertheless, she continued to play a vital role in national politics, especially in the wake of George Floyd’s death in May 2020. Harris emerged as a leading advocate for social justice reform, which helped to address some of the criticisms she faced regarding her tenure as California’s attorney general.
As the 2020 presidential election approached, the issue of racial injustice became a central theme in American politics. Many Democrats urged Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, to select an African American woman as his running mate. In August 2020, Biden chose Harris as his vice-presidential candidate, making her the first Black woman and first South Asian woman to appear on a major party’s national ticket. Their campaign emphasized unity, racial justice, and economic recovery, ultimately leading to a victory in the November 2020 election.
Following the election, Harris and Biden faced numerous challenges, including widespread claims of voter fraud from then-President Donald Trump and various Republicans. Despite multiple lawsuits and baseless allegations, the election results were upheld, and by early December, all states had certified the results. On January 6, 2021, as Congress began the process of final certification, a mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol in a violent attempt to overturn the election results. The incident, which many believed was incited by Trump, was widely condemned as an assault on American democracy. Harris later denounced the siege and emphasized the importance of upholding democratic principles.
On January 18, 2021, Harris officially resigned from the Senate to prepare for her new role. Two days later, amid unprecedented security measures, Kamala Harris was sworn in as the Vice President of the United States. Her inauguration marked a historic milestone, as she became the highest-ranking woman in U.S. history and the first woman of color to hold the office.
As Vice President, Harris has focused on critical issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, immigration, and climate change. She has played a key role in promoting the Biden administration’s agenda, working on initiatives to support small businesses, expand access to healthcare, and ensure the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Harris’s tenure as Vice President continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations, reflecting her unwavering dedication to public service and social justice.
In January 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris was captured sharing a laugh with President Joe Biden in the Oval Office, reflecting the strong partnership and camaraderie between the two leaders. As Biden’s vice president, Harris was entrusted with several critical tasks, highlighting her pivotal role in the administration.
One of her primary responsibilities was addressing the root causes of increased migration from Latin America to the U.S. southern border. This involved working closely with leaders from Central American countries to tackle issues such as economic instability, violence, and corruption, which were driving people to flee their homes in search of better opportunities in the United States. Harris’s diplomatic efforts aimed to create sustainable solutions that would alleviate the conditions prompting mass migration.
In addition to her work on immigration, Harris was a staunch advocate for national legislation to protect voting rights. She championed efforts to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation that would ensure every American had equitable access to the ballot box, combating restrictive laws that disproportionately affected minority communities. Her commitment to preserving democratic principles was evident as she navigated complex legislative battles in Congress.
Another significant focus of Harris’s vice presidency was preserving women’s access to abortion, particularly following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which severely limited abortion rights in many states. Harris emerged as a vocal and effective advocate for the right to complete reproductive health care, including abortion. She emphasized the importance of protecting women’s autonomy over their own bodies and worked tirelessly to safeguard reproductive rights against increasing legislative restrictions.
As the 2024 presidential campaign approached, Harris continued to champion these critical issues. She frequently warned that reelecting Donald Trump would further limit access to abortion care, reinforcing her position as a defender of women’s rights and reproductive freedom. Her advocacy on these matters became a central theme of Biden’s 2024 campaign, underscoring her commitment to social justice and equality.
In her capacity as president of the Senate, Harris made history by casting the most tie-breaking votes ever recorded, surpassing a nearly 200-year-old record. This achievement highlighted her influence and the crucial role she played in advancing the administration’s legislative agenda. Her ability to navigate the intricacies of the Senate and secure key victories demonstrated her political acumen and leadership.
The 2024 election cycle brought a significant turn of events. On July 21, 2024, incumbent President Joe Biden announced that he would suspend his campaign for re-election and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee. In response to Biden’s endorsement, Harris expressed her gratitude and commitment to continuing his legacy. She stated, “On behalf of the American people, I thank Joe Biden for his extraordinary leadership as President of the United States and for his decades of service to our country. I am honored to have the President’s endorsement and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”
Harris’s bid for the presidency received widespread support from prominent figures and organizations. She garnered endorsements from Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Congressional Black Caucus, and numerous other influential leaders and groups. These endorsements underscored the broad coalition backing her candidacy and the historic nature of her potential presidency.
If elected, Kamala Harris would become the first female and first Asian-American president of the United States, and the second Black American president after Barack Obama. Her candidacy represented a monumental step forward in the ongoing journey toward diversity and representation in American politics. On July 22, 2024, Harris secured enough non-binding delegates for the presidential nomination, solidifying her position as the Democratic Party’s standard-bearer for the upcoming election.
Awards and Nominations
Kamala Harris has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her illustrious career, reflecting her significant impact on both the legal and political arenas. Her contributions and achievements have been recognized by various esteemed organizations and publications.
In 2005, the National Black Prosecutors Association honored Harris with the prestigious Thurgood Marshall Award. This accolade recognized her exceptional work as a prosecutor and her dedication to justice. That same year, Newsweek featured her in a report profiling “20 of America’s Most Powerful Women,” a testament to her rising influence and formidable presence in the field of law and public service.
Her potential for higher office was highlighted in a 2008 New York Times article, which identified her as a woman with the capability to become President of the United States. The article praised her reputation as a “tough fighter,” further cementing her status as a formidable figure in American politics.
Harris’s influence continued to grow, and she was included in Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world three times—in 2013, 2020, and 2021. These recognitions from Time underscored her significant impact on global affairs and her role as a trailblazer in American politics.
In 2016, the 20/20 Bipartisan Justice Center awarded Harris the Bipartisan Justice Award, which she received alongside Senator Tim Scott. This award recognized her efforts to bridge the partisan divide and promote justice and equity in the United States.
A particularly notable recognition came in 2020 when Time named Joe Biden and Kamala Harris jointly as the Time Person of the Year. This honor highlighted their collective efforts during the 2020 presidential campaign and their roles in shaping the future of the nation.
Harris’s contributions were further acknowledged by Forbes, which selected her for the inaugural 2021 Forbes 50 Over 50 list. This list celebrates entrepreneurs, leaders, scientists, and creators over the age of 50 who have made significant contributions to their fields and continue to inspire others with their achievements.
In addition to these awards, Harris has received honorary degrees from prestigious institutions. On May 15, 2015, she was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Southern California. This honor recognized her extensive legal career and her dedication to public service. Two years later, on May 13, 2017, she received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Howard University, her alma mater, where she also delivered a memorable commencement address.
Personal Life
Kamala Harris’s personal life has also been of public interest, with notable relationships and a supportive family. In the 1990s, she dated Speaker of the California Assembly Willie Brown, a relationship that was well-publicized and highlighted her early connections in the political sphere. In 2001, she had a brief dating relationship with talk show host Montel Williams, another instance of her high-profile personal life making headlines.
Harris met her future husband, attorney Doug Emhoff, through a mutual friend who set them up on a blind date in 2013. Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer born into a Jewish family, was a partner-in-charge at Venable LLP’s Los Angeles office. The couple’s relationship blossomed, and they were married on August 22, 2014, in a ceremony held in Santa Barbara, California. Harris became stepmother to Emhoff’s two children, Cole and Ella, from his previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff. This blended family has been a source of personal joy and support for Harris as she navigates her demanding career.
Social Media
Kamala Harris has effectively utilized social media to connect with the public and share her initiatives and views. She has amassed a substantial following, with over 16 million followers on Instagram (@kamalaharris).
Net Worth
As of August 2019, Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff had an estimated net worth of $10 million. This financial status reflects their successful careers and prudent management of their personal finances. Their combined wealth includes earnings from their respective legal careers, book deals, and other investment.