Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Kamala Harris

Public opinion and media debates around Kamala Harris—discover key moments of controversy.

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

2004: Refused to Seek Death Penalty in Espinoza Case

In 2004, Kamala Harris upheld her campaign pledge by refusing to seek the death penalty in the case of Isaac Espinoza, a San Francisco Police Department officer who was shot and killed.

2009: Declined Death Penalty in Ramos Case

In 2009, Kamala Harris declined to seek the death penalty for Edwin Ramos, an illegal immigrant accused of murdering a man and his two sons.

2009: Criticism of liberals in her book

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.