Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kamala Harris

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Kamala Harris made an impact.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney. She served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. Harris is the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office. Before becoming Vice President, she represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). She was also the Democratic Party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1968: Hubert Humphrey in the primaries

In 1968, Vice President Hubert Humphrey was the last nominee to not participate in the primaries before Kamala Harris.

1972: Donald Harris Accepts Position at Stanford University

In 1972, Donald Harris accepted a position at Stanford University, and Kamala and Maya spent weekends at his house in Palo Alto.

1976: Shyamala Harris Moved to Montreal with Daughters

In 1976, Shyamala Harris accepted a research position at McGill University School of Medicine and moved with her daughters to Montreal, Quebec.

1990: Hired as Deputy District Attorney

In 1990, Kamala Harris was hired as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California.

1994: Appointed to State Boards

In 1994, Willie Brown appointed Kamala Harris to the state Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and later to the California Medical Assistance Commission.

February 1998: Recruited as Assistant District Attorney

In February 1998, Kamala Harris was recruited by Terence Hallinan as an assistant district attorney for San Francisco.

August 2000: Joined San Francisco City Hall

In August 2000, Kamala Harris took a job at San Francisco City Hall, working for city attorney Louise Renne in the Family and Children's Services Division.

2002: Ran for District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2002, Kamala Harris ran for district attorney of San Francisco, winning the election with 56% of the vote.

2003: Elected District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2003, Kamala Harris was elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco.

2004: Comparison to John Kerry

In 2004, John Kerry was the last Democratic nominee before Kamala Harris to lose the popular vote.

2004: Created San Francisco Reentry Division

In 2004, Kamala Harris created the San Francisco Reentry Division to reduce recidivism.

2005: Created Environmental Crimes Unit

In 2005, Kamala Harris created an environmental crimes unit as district attorney.

2006: Led Effort to Combat Truancy

In 2006, Kamala Harris led a citywide effort in San Francisco to combat truancy for at-risk elementary school youth.

2007: Established Truancy Campaign

In 2007, Kamala Harris established a campaign to address truancy issues, recognizing it as a public safety concern.

2007: Ran Unopposed for Second Term

In 2007, Kamala Harris ran unopposed for a second term as district attorney of San Francisco.

2008: Issued Citations for Student Truancy

In 2008, Kamala Harris's office issued citations against six parents for student truancy, marking the first time San Francisco prosecuted adults for this issue.

April 2009: Truancy Rates Decreased

By April 2009, habitual truancy among elementary school students in San Francisco decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, following efforts by Kamala Harris's office.

2009: Criticism of liberals in her book

In her 2009 book, Kamala Harris criticized liberals for biases against law enforcement.

2010: Announced Candidacy for Attorney General

In 2010, Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for Attorney General of California and received endorsements from prominent Democrats.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected as the Attorney General of California.

January 3, 2011: Took Office as Attorney General of California

On January 3, 2011, Kamala Harris took office as the Attorney General of California.

2011: Became Attorney General of California

In 2011, Kamala Harris became the Attorney General of California, serving until 2017.

2013: Actions Regarding Proposition 8

In 2013, after Proposition 8 was struck down, Kamala Harris ordered the Los Angeles County Clerk's office to start marriages immediately and officiated at the wedding of the plaintiffs.

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General

In 2014, Kamala Harris was re-elected as attorney general, defeating Ronald Gold.

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General of California

In 2014, Kamala Harris was re-elected as the Attorney General of California.

January 13, 2015: Barbara Boxer Announced Retirement

On January 13, 2015, Senator Barbara Boxer announced that she would not run for reelection in 2016.

2015: Motion to block gender-affirming medical care

In 2015, Kamala Harris filed a federal court motion to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate while she was California attorney general, leading to criticism.

February 27, 2016: Won California Democratic Party Vote

On February 27, 2016, Kamala Harris won 78% of the California Democratic Party vote at the party convention, allowing her campaign to receive financial support from the party.

November 2016: Defeated Sanchez in Election

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez with over 60% of the vote to become a U.S. Senator.

2016: Harris's Candidacy for Senate Seat

In 2016, Kamala Harris announced her candidacy for the Senate seat and was a top contender from the beginning of her campaign.

2016: Won the 2016 Senate Election

In 2016, Kamala Harris won the election to become a U.S. Senator representing California.

January 3, 2017: Resigned as Attorney General to Join U.S. Senate

On January 3, 2017, Kamala Harris resigned from her position as Attorney General of California to take her seat in the United States Senate.

May 2017: Questioning of Rod Rosenstein

In May 2017, Kamala Harris questioned Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general, over the firing of James Comey. Her questioning was interrupted by Senators McCain and Burr who requested she be more respectful.

2017: Became U.S. Senator from California

In 2017, Kamala Harris became the junior U.S. Senator from California, serving until 2021.

2017: Represented California in the U.S. Senate

In 2017, Kamala Harris began representing California in the United States Senate, a position she held until 2021.

July 2018: Introduction of the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act

In July 2018, Kamala Harris introduced the Gay and Trans Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2018, a nationwide bill to curtail gay and trans panic defenses.

December 2018: Vote for the First Step Act

In December 2018, Kamala Harris voted for the First Step Act, legislation aimed at reducing recidivism rates among federal prisoners.

January 21, 2019: Harris Announces Candidacy for President

On January 21, 2019, Kamala Harris officially announced her candidacy for President of the United States in the 2020 election. Her announcement tied a record for most donations raised in the day after the announcement. Kamala released a memoir, a sign of a possible run.

March 2019: Harris calls for Barr to testify before Congress

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. attorney general William Barr to testify before Congress following the submission of the Mueller report on Russian interference in the 2016 election. She emphasized the importance of transparency in the matter.

April 2019: Harris Urges Trump Not to Cut Aid to Central America

In April 2019, Kamala Harris, along with 33 other Senate Democrats and independents, co-signed a letter urging President Trump not to cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, arguing it would damage national security.

May 1, 2019: Harris Questions Barr on Mueller Report Testimony

On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris questioned Attorney General William Barr before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his handling of the Mueller Report. Barr admitted that neither he nor anyone in his office had reviewed the underlying evidence before deciding not to charge Trump with obstruction of justice. Harris later called for Barr's resignation.

May 5, 2019: Harris Claims Voter Suppression Prevented Democrats Winning Elections

On May 5, 2019, Kamala Harris stated that "voter suppression" prevented Democrats Stacey Abrams and Andrew Gillum from winning the 2018 gubernatorial elections in Georgia and Florida. However, election law expert Richard L. Hasen said there was no evidence to support this claim.

May 2019: Congressional Black Caucus Endorses Biden-Harris Ticket

In May 2019, senior members of the Congressional Black Caucus endorsed the idea of a Biden–Harris ticket, suggesting Kamala Harris as a potential running mate for Joe Biden.

June 2019: Harris Confronts Biden at Democratic Presidential Debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris challenged Joe Biden on his past remarks about senators who opposed integration efforts and mandatory school bussing. Harris's poll support increased following the debate.

October 2019: Participation in CNN/Human Rights Campaign town hall on LGBTQ rights

In October 2019, Kamala Harris participated in a CNN/Human Rights Campaign town hall on LGBTQ rights and pledged support for equality in federal workplace discrimination cases, drawing attention to hate crimes against Black trans women.

December 3, 2019: Harris Withdraws From Presidential Race

On December 3, 2019, Kamala Harris withdrew from the 2020 presidential election, citing a shortage of funds.

2019: Sought 2020 Democratic Presidential Nomination

In 2019, Kamala Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew before the primaries.

January 16, 2020: Harris Delivers Remarks on Justice System During Impeachment Trial

On January 16, 2020, before the impeachment trial of Donald Trump, Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the Senate floor, emphasizing the integrity of the American justice system and the principle that no one is above the law. She also voted to convict Trump.

March 2020: Letter Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic in Prisons

In March 2020, Kamala Harris was one of 15 senators to sign a letter requesting information on strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic in prisons.

April 17, 2020: Harris Expresses Interest in Being Biden's Running Mate

On April 17, 2020, Kamala Harris responded to media speculation, stating that she "would be honored" to be Joe Biden's running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

June 2020: Support for LAPD Budget Cuts

In June 2020, Kamala Harris supported the Los Angeles Police Department budget cuts of $150 million, after a campaign by community groups including Black Lives Matter.

August 11, 2020: Biden Announces Harris as Running Mate

On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election. This made her the first African American, the first Indian American, and the third woman to be a vice-presidential nominee on a major-party ticket.

2020: Harris Becomes Vice President-Elect

In 2020, Kamala Harris became the Vice President-elect of the United States, after Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Support for Minnesota Freedom Fund

In 2020, Kamala Harris tweeted in support of donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which was assisting those arrested in the George Floyd protests.

2020: Elected Vice President of the United States

In 2020, Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States as Joe Biden's running mate, defeating incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

January 18, 2021: Harris Resigns Senate Seat

On January 18, 2021, Kamala Harris resigned from her Senate seat in preparation for assuming the office of Vice President of the United States. She was replaced by Alex Padilla.

January 20, 2021: Harris Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, becoming the first woman, first African-American, and first Asian-American to hold the office.

March 24, 2021: Biden Assigns Harris to Address Migration

On March 24, 2021, President Biden assigned Kamala Harris to collaborate with Mexico and Northern Triangle nations to address irregular migration to the Mexico-United States border and tackle its root causes.

April 2021: Harris Voices Support for Biden's Decision on Afghanistan

In April 2021, Kamala Harris stated that she was the last person in the room before President Biden decided to remove all U.S. troops from Afghanistan, praising his courage and decision-making.

June 2021: Harris Visits Guatemala and Mexico to Address Migration

In June 2021, Kamala Harris undertook her first international trip as Vice President, visiting Guatemala and Mexico to tackle the root causes of increased migration from Central America to the United States.

November 2021: Harris Meets with Macron to Strengthen Ties

In November 2021, Kamala Harris met with French President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce ties following the controversial cancellation of a submarine program.

November 19, 2021: Harris Serves as Acting President

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president of the United States from 10:10 to 11:35 am EST while President Biden underwent a colonoscopy, becoming the first woman to assume the powers and duties of the presidency in this capacity.

December 2021: Harris Identified as Pivotal Figure in Biden Administration

As early as December 2021, Kamala Harris was identified as playing a pivotal role in the Biden administration due to her tie-breaking vote in the evenly divided Senate, and she was also seen as the presumed front-runner for the 2024 presidential election if Biden didn't seek reelection.

2021: Became Vice President of the United States

In 2021, Kamala Harris became the 49th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Joe Biden.

2021: Began Vice Presidency and Presided Over Evenly Split Senate

In 2021, upon beginning her vice presidency, Kamala Harris presided over an evenly split U.S. Senate, casting tie-breaking votes, including votes to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act.

February 2022: Harris Takes on Diplomatic Role After Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In February 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kamala Harris took on a key diplomatic role in the Biden administration, traveling to Germany and Poland to garner support for arming Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia.

April 2023: Harris Visits Goddard Space Flight Center

In April 2023, Kamala Harris visited the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, agreeing to strengthen the space alliance between the U.S. and South Korea.

April 2023: Biden announces reelection campaign

In April 2023, President Biden announced his reelection campaign, and Kamala Harris was widely expected to remain his running mate.

November 2023: Pledge of no conditions on U.S. aid to Israel

In November 2023, Kamala Harris pledged that the Biden administration would place no conditions on U.S. aid to Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza.

December 5, 2023: Harris Breaks Record for Tie-Breaking Votes

On December 5, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris broke the record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president, reaching her 32nd vote and exceeding John C. Calhoun's record.

July 2024: Launched Presidential Campaign and Lost Election

In July 2024, after Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy, Kamala Harris launched her own presidential campaign with his endorsement, selected Tim Walz as her running mate, and subsequently lost the election to Donald Trump and JD Vance.

July 21, 2024: Biden Endorses Harris

On July 21, 2024, Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris to replace him as the party's presidential nominee.

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate with Trump

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris participated in a presidential debate with Trump, where she was declared the winner by several political analysts and received an endorsement from Taylor Swift.

November 5, 2024: Loss in Presidential Election

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the United States presidential election to Trump.

2024: Nominee in the 2024 Presidential Election

In 2024, Kamala Harris was the Democratic Party's nominee in the presidential election.

January 6, 2025: Certification of Trump and Vance as winners

On January 6, 2025, Kamala Harris, as president of the Senate, oversaw the certification of Trump and Vance as the winners of the election.

January 20, 2025: Departure from office

On January 20, 2025, Kamala Harris left office and was succeeded by the 50th vice president of the United States, JD Vance.

February 18, 2025: Signed with Creative Artists Agency

On February 18, 2025, Kamala Harris signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to focus on speaking and publishing opportunities.

March 21, 2025: Revocation of security clearance

On March 21, 2025, President Trump revoked Kamala Harris's security clearance, a courtesy normally extended to former vice presidents.

April 30, 2025: Remarks at Emerge America gala

On April 30, 2025, Kamala Harris delivered remarks at a gala for the 20th anniversary of Emerge America, criticizing the Trump administration.

July 2025: Announced she would not run for California governor

In July 2025, Kamala Harris announced she would not run in the 2026 California gubernatorial election.

July 21, 2025: Secret Service protection expiration

On July 21, 2025, Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection was to have expired, but President Biden extended it for an additional year.

August 28, 2025: Cancellation of Secret Service protection

On August 28, 2025, President Trump signed a memorandum canceling Kamala Harris's Secret Service protection as of September 1.

September 23, 2025: Publication of Memoir

On September 23, 2025, Kamala Harris published her memoir, "107 Days", detailing her 2024 presidential campaign.

107 Days

Check it on Amazon

2025: End of Vice Presidential Term

In 2025, Kamala Harris's term as the 49th Vice President of the United States came to an end.

2028: Potential run in 2028 Presidential Election

In 2028, Kamala Harris suggested that she could possibly be a candidate in the presidential election, while promoting her book.

2028: Potential presidential run in 2028

In 2028, there was speculation that Kamala Harris might run for president, with some Democratic officials publicly supporting her.

2030: Co-sponsored Green New Deal

Kamala Harris was an early co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. The Green New Deal plans to transition the country towards generating 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.