Kamala Harris's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Kamala Harris.

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold the office. Previously, she 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, Harris 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

2002: Ran for District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2002, Kamala Harris ran for district attorney of San Francisco and won the election with 56% of the vote, becoming the first person of color elected to the position.

2007: Ran Unopposed for Second Term

In 2007, Kamala Harris ran unopposed for a second term as district attorney.

April 2009: Chronic Truancy Reduced

By April 2009, there was a 23% reduction in habitual or chronic truants in elementary schools, down from 1,730 in 2008.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected as the attorney general of California, becoming the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to hold the office.

2014: Reelected Attorney General of California

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected as attorney general of California.

2014: Harris Reelected

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected, defeating Republican nominee Ronald Gold with 58% of the vote.

February 27, 2016: Won California Democratic Party Vote

On February 27, 2016, Kamala Harris won 78% of the California Democratic Party vote at the party convention, receiving financial support from the party.

November 2016: Defeated Loretta Sanchez

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez with over 60% of the vote, becoming the second Black woman and first South Asian American senator in history.

2016: Won Senate Election

In 2016, Kamala Harris won the Senate election to represent California.

August 11, 2020: Announced as Biden's running mate

On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced Kamala Harris as his running mate. She was the first African American, the first Indian American, and the third woman to be the vice-presidential nominee on a major-party ticket.

2020: Vice Presidential Candidate

In 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate. They won the 2020 presidential election, defeating Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

2020: Became Vice President-elect

In 2020, Kamala Harris became the vice president–elect after Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.

January 20, 2021: Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as vice president, becoming the United States' first woman vice president, first African-American vice president, and first Asian-American vice president.

November 19, 2021: Served as acting president while Biden underwent a colonoscopy

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president from 10:10 to 11:35 am EST while President Biden underwent a colonoscopy. She was the first woman to assume the powers and duties of the presidency as acting president of the United States.

2021: Vice President of the United States

In 2021, Kamala Harris became the 49th vice president of the United States, serving until 2025 under President Joe Biden.

December 5, 2023: Broke the record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president

On December 5, 2023, Kamala Harris broke the record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president, casting her 32nd vote. This exceeded John C. Calhoun's previous record.

July 2024: Increased Approval Ratings

In July 2024 Kamala Harris approval ratings rose rapidly after she became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.

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

On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and immediately endorsed Kamala Harris for president, resulting in her campaign raising $81 million in the first 24 hours.

September 10, 2024: Harris and Trump Presidential Debate

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump participated in a presidential debate hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. Analysts declared Harris the winner, citing her strong performance, particularly on abortion rights. Shortly after, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris.