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 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 U.S. vice president, marking a significant milestone in American political history. She previously represented California in the U.S. Senate from 2017 to 2021 and served as the state's attorney general from 2011 to 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 Shyamala Gopalan, Kamala Harris's mother, and Donald J. Harris, Kamala Harris's father, were born.

1958: Shyamala Gopalan Arrived in the United States

In 1958, Shyamala Gopalan arrived in the United States from India to enroll in graduate school at the University of California, Berkeley.

1961: Donald J. Harris Immigrated to the United States

In 1961, Donald J. Harris immigrated to the United States and also enrolled in UC Berkeley.

October 20, 1964: Kamala Harris Born

On October 20, 1964, Kamala Devi Harris was born. She later became the first female, first African American, and first Asian American vice president of the United States.

1966: Harris Family Moved

In 1966, the Harris family moved from Berkeley when Kamala was around two years old. Her sister Maya was also born in 1966 in Urbana, Illinois.

1970: Parents' Marriage Faltered

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

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 Accepted Position at McGill University

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

1981: Attended Vanier College

In 1981, Kamala Harris attended Vanier College in Montreal.

1981: Kamala Graduated from 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 with Juris Doctor

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

2009: Death of Shyamala Gopalan

In 2009, Shyamala Gopalan, Kamala Harris's mother, passed away.

August 22, 2014: Marriage to Doug Emhoff

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff married on August 22, 2014, in Santa Barbara, California. He was an entertainment lawyer.

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: Donated Trump's Contributions

In 2015, Kamala Harris donated Donald Trump's contributions to a "nonprofit that advocates for civil and human rights for Central Americans."

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

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

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 to replace him as the party's presidential nominee. Kamala Harris received endorsements from numerous prominent figures and raised $81 million in the first 24 hours of her campaign.

August 2024: Estimated Net Worth

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

September 10, 2024: Harris and Trump Debate

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump participated in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News. Kamala Harris was declared the winner by several political analysts and received an endorsement from Taylor Swift after the debate. The debate took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

November 5, 2024: Harris Loses Presidential Election to Trump

On November 5, 2024, Kamala Harris lost the United States presidential election to Donald Trump, losing both the Electoral College vote and the popular vote.

2024: Biden and Harris Become Presumptive Nominees

In 2024, following the Democratic primaries, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris became the presumptive nominees for the presidential election. Concerns about Biden's age and health were persistent and became more pronounced after the first presidential debate on June 27.

2024: Campaign Details

Kamala Harris published a memoir titled "107 Days," detailing her 2024 presidential campaign.

January 6, 2025: Harris Certifies Trump's Victory

On January 6, 2025, 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 and was succeeded by JD Vance as the 50th Vice President of the United States. Kamala Harris and her husband moved to Los Angeles and assisted in distributing 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.

March 21, 2025: Trump Revokes Harris's 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: Harris Criticizes Trump Administration at Emerge America Gala

On April 30, 2025, Kamala Harris criticized the Trump administration's handling of the economy and social issues during a speech 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: Initial 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, effective September 1.

September 23, 2025: Harris Publishes Memoir '107 Days'

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