Challenges Faced by Kamala Harris: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Kamala Harris faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She is the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold this office, making her the highest-ranking woman and Asian American in U.S. history. Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris served as a U.S. Senator representing California (2017-2021) and as the Attorney General of California (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, she was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.

Sections (6)

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

2004: Declined to Seek Death Penalty in Officer's Murder Case

In 2004, Kamala Harris declined to seek the death penalty in the case of Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco Police Department officer who was shot and killed.

2007: Chronic truancy rates in san francisco

In 2007, chronic truancy was 2,517 in San Francisco.

2008: Prosecuted Parents for Student Truancy

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

2009: Declined to Seek Death Penalty in Murder Case

In 2009, Kamala Harris declined to seek the death penalty in the case of Edwin Ramos, who was accused of murdering a man and his two sons.

2015: Criticism for Blocking Gender-Affirming Medical Care

Kamala Harris has been criticized for a 2015 federal court motion she filed to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate while she was California attorney general.

2016: Russian interference in US elections

In 2016, Russia interfered in the US elections, an event which prompted Kamala Harris, in March 2019 after the Mueller report, to call for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress.

October 2018: Target of mail bombing attempts

In October 2018, Kamala Harris was a target of the United States mail bombing attempts.

March 2019: Called for Barr to testify before Congress

In March 2019, Kamala Harris called for U.S. Attorney General William Barr to testify before Congress after Robert Mueller submitted his report on Russian interference in the 2016 election, emphasizing the importance of transparency.

April 2019: Urged Trump not to cut aid to Central American countries

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.

May 1, 2019: Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee

On May 1, 2019, William Barr testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the Mueller report. During the hearing, Kamala Harris questioned Barr, leading her to later call for his resignation, accusing him of misleading the public and potentially committing perjury.

June 2019: Clash with Joe Biden in debate

During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris confronted Joe Biden over his remarks about senators who opposed integration efforts, which led to a temporary rise in her poll numbers.

December 3, 2019: Withdrew from 2020 presidential election

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

2019: Sought Democratic Presidential Nomination

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

January 16, 2020: Remarks on American Justice System

On January 16, 2020, before the opening of Donald Trump's impeachment trial, Kamala Harris delivered remarks on the Senate floor, emphasizing the integrity of the American justice system. She also voted to convict Trump on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.

March 24, 2021: Assigned to address migration issues

On March 24, 2021, Joe Biden assigned Kamala Harris to work with Mexico and Northern Triangle nations to address irregular migration to the Mexico–United States border.

August 2022: Low Approval Ratings

According to a RealClear Politics polling average, in August 2022 Kamala Harris had a record low approval rating, with only 34.8% of Americans having a favorable view of her.

July 2024: Launched Presidential Campaign

In July 2024, Kamala Harris launched her presidential campaign after Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy. Ultimately, she lost the election.

November 5, 2024: Harris Loses Presidential Election to Trump

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the United States presidential election to Donald Trump, conceding the race the next day at Howard University.