Childhood and Education Journey of Kamala Harris in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Kamala Harris. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

1938: Birth of Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris

In 1938, both Kamala Harris's mother, Shyamala Gopalan, and her father, Donald J. Harris, were born.

1958: Shyamala Gopalan arrived to the US

In 1958, Shyamala Gopalan, Kamala Harris's mother, arrived in the United States from India.

1961: Donald J. Harris arrived to the US

In 1961, Donald J. Harris, Kamala Harris's father, immigrated to the United States from Jamaica.

October 20, 1964: Kamala Harris's Birth

On October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California, to Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris.

1966: Moved from Berkeley and Maya Harris was born

In 1966, the Harris family moved from Berkeley around Kamala's second birthday, and her sister Maya was born in Urbana, Illinois.

1970: Parents Moved back to Berkeley

By 1970, Kamala Harris's parents' marriage had faltered, and her mother, Shyamala, moved back to Berkeley with her two daughters.

1972: Donald Harris accepted position at Stanford University

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

1976: Moved to Montreal

In 1976, Kamala Harris moved with her mother and sister to Montreal, Quebec, after her mother accepted a research position at McGill University School of Medicine.

1981: Attended Vanier College

In 1981, Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal.

1981: Graduated Westmount High School

In 1981, Kamala Harris graduated from Westmount High School on Montreal Island.

1982: Attended Vanier College

In 1982, Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal.

1986: Graduated from Howard University

In 1986, Kamala Harris graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and economics.

1989: Graduated from University of California, Hastings College of the Law

In 1989, Kamala Harris graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

2013: Harris Meets Doug Emhoff

In 2013, Kamala Harris met her husband, Doug Emhoff, through a blind date set up by a mutual friend.

August 22, 2014: Harris Marries Doug Emhoff

On August 22, 2014, Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff in Santa Barbara, California.

January 18, 2021: Resigned from Senate Seat

On January 18, 2021, Kamala Harris resigned from her Senate seat before taking office as Vice President, and was replaced by Alex Padilla.

April 2023: Biden Announces Reelection Campaign with Harris as Running Mate

In April 2023, President Biden announced his reelection campaign, with Kamala Harris expected to remain his running mate for the 2024 presidential election.

2023: Video Clip Goes Viral

In 2024, a video clip from 2023 of Kamala Harris saying "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you" at a White House event went viral.

July 21, 2024: Biden Endorses Harris for President After Suspending Campaign

On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris for president, receiving endorsements from prominent figures and raising $81 million in the first 24 hours of her candidacy.

August 2024: Estimated Net Worth of Harris and Emhoff

As of August 2024, Kamala Harris and her husband had an estimated net worth of $8 million.

September 10, 2024: Harris Participates in Presidential Debate Against Trump

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris debated Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, addressing abortion rights and being declared the winner by several political analysts. After the debate, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris.

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.

2024: Biden and Harris Become Presumptive Nominees

In 2024, after the Democratic primaries, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became the Democratic party's presumptive nominees for the presidential election.

2024: Remarks Shared as Memes

Since the launch of her 2024 presidential campaign, Kamala Harris's remarks have been widely shared as memes, resulting in press coverage of her public image.

January 6, 2025: Harris Certifies Trump and Vance's Election Victory

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

January 20, 2025: Harris Leaves Office

On January 20, 2025, Kamala Harris left office as Vice President, succeeded by JD Vance, and moved to Los Angeles where she helped distribute food to victims of the Palisades Fire.

February 18, 2025: Harris Signs with Creative Artists Agency

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

April 30, 2025: Harris Delivers Remarks at Emerge America Gala

On April 30, 2025, Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration's handling of the economy and social issues at a gala for the 20th anniversary of Emerge America.

July 2025: Harris Announces She Will Not Run for Governor

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

July 21, 2025: Expiration of Secret Service Protection

Under federal law, former vice presidents receive six months of Secret Service protection. Kamala Harris's protection would have normally expired on July 21, 2025, but President Biden had extended it for an additional year.

August 28, 2025: Trump Cancels Harris's 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: Harris Publishes Memoir Detailing 2024 Campaign

On September 23, 2025, Kamala Harris published a memoir, "107 Days", detailing her 2024 presidential campaign and embarked on an international tour to promote the book.