When Kamala Harris was sworn in as the US Vice President in 2021, she became the first woman, first Black American, and first Indian American to hold the position.
Before that, Kamala Harris was the first Black woman elected as district attorney in California, the first Indian American senator, and the first woman to be California’s attorney general.
Recently, President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and endorsed Harris to replace him as the Democratic presidential nominee. Harris has declared her intent to “earn and win this nomination.”
Barack Obama doesn’t endorse Kamala Harris, says Democrats will pick ‘outstanding nominee’
Early Life and Background
Kamala Harris was born in California in 1964 to immigrant parents from Jamaica and India. Raised in Oakland, she was influenced by her parents’ involvement in the civil rights movement. Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, a biomedical scientist, instilled in her the importance of political activism.
Political Career
Kamala Harris attended Howard University and UC Hastings College of Law, starting her career as a prosecutor. In 2003, she was elected district attorney of San Francisco and later became California’s attorney general, winning both positions against significant odds. She married Douglas Emhoff in 2014 and became a stepmother to his two children, who call her “Momala.”
Path to Vice Presidency
In 2019, Harris gained national attention during the Democratic primary debates by challenging Joe Biden on his past positions regarding segregation. Despite facing early criticism and low approval ratings as Vice President, Harris became a prominent advocate for abortion rights following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Potential Presidential Bid
With Biden’s endorsement, Harris is a strong contender for the Democratic presidential nomination. Her advocacy for women’s rights and her ability to mobilize voters make her a significant figure in the upcoming election. Harris, who will turn 60 before the election, continues to build her own legacy, distinct from her predecessors.
Election Timeline
Americans will vote for their next president on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.