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 Harris is an American politician and attorney. She served as the 49th U.S. Vice President from 2021-2025 under President Joe Biden, making her the first female, African-American, and Asian-American to hold the office. Previously, she served as a United States Senator representing California (2017-2021) and as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). A member of the Democratic Party, she was the party's nominee in the 2024 presidential election.
2004: Espinoza Case
In 2004, Kamala Harris kept her pledge against the death penalty in the case of Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco Police Department officer.
2009: Ramos Case
In 2009, Kamala Harris kept her pledge against the death penalty in the case of Edwin Ramos, an illegal immigrant and alleged MS-13 gang member.
2015: Criticism for federal court motion
In 2015, Kamala Harris was criticized for a federal court motion she filed to block gender-affirming medical care for a transgender inmate.
May 2017: Questioning of Rod Rosenstein
In May 2017, Kamala Harris questioned Rod Rosenstein, leading to interruptions and claims of sexism.
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 to ensure transparency regarding the Mueller report on Russian interference.
April 2019: Urged Trump not to cut aid to Central America
In April 2019, Kamala Harris, along with other Senate Democrats and independents, signed a letter urging President Trump not to cut aid to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
May 1, 2019: Barr Testimony and Harris's Call for Resignation
On May 1, 2019, Kamala Harris questioned Attorney General Barr's handling of the Mueller report during his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, and subsequently called for his resignation.
May 5, 2019: Accusations of Voter Suppression in Georgia and Florida
On May 5, 2019, Kamala Harris suggested that voter suppression was responsible for the Democratic losses in the 2018 Georgia and Florida gubernatorial elections.
June 2019: Clash with Biden at Democratic Debate
During the first Democratic presidential debate in June 2019, Kamala Harris confronted Joe Biden over his past remarks on senators who opposed integration efforts.
December 3, 2019: Withdrawal from Presidential Election
On December 3, 2019, Kamala Harris withdrew from the 2020 presidential election campaign, citing a shortage of funds.
2019: Sought Democratic Presidential Nomination
In 2019, Kamala Harris sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew from the race before the primaries.
January 16, 2020: Remarks on the Integrity of the Justice System
On January 16, 2020, Kamala Harris spoke on the Senate floor about the integrity of the American justice system prior to the impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
March 24, 2021: Assigned to Address Migration from Central America
On March 24, 2021, Kamala Harris was assigned to work with Mexico and Northern Triangle nations to address irregular migration to the Mexico–United States border.
July 2024: House Resolution Tying Harris to Border Crisis
In July 2024, despite Harris having no authority over the border itself, Republicans and other critics began using the term "border czar" to tie Harris to the Mexico–United States border crisis, including in a July 2024 House resolution.
2024: Harris Loses the presidential election
Kamala Harris lost the 2024 United States presidential election to Donald Trump, losing the electoral college 226 to 312, and the popular vote 48.3% to 49.8%.
