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. 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

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.

2003: Elected District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2003, Kamala Harris was elected district attorney of San Francisco.

2007: Ran Unopposed for a Second Term

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

April 2009: Truancy Rates Decreased

By April 2009, the number of habitual or chronic truants in elementary schools in San Francisco had decreased by 23% from 2008, following interventions led by Kamala Harris.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected attorney general of California.

January 3, 2011: Took Office as Attorney General

On January 3, 2011, Kamala Harris took office as attorney general of California, becoming the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to hold the office.

2014: Reelected as Attorney General of California

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

2014: Harris reelected as Attorney General

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.

November 2016: Defeated Sanchez in Election

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez in the election, carrying all but four counties.

2016: Won the 2016 Senate Election

In 2016, Kamala Harris won the Senate election and became the junior U.S. senator from California.

August 11, 2020: Biden Announced Harris as Running Mate

On August 11, 2020, Joe Biden announced that he had chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate for the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Selected as Vice Presidential Running Mate

In 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala Harris as his running mate. Their ticket defeated the incumbent president and vice president, Donald Trump and Mike Pence, in the 2020 presidential election.

January 20, 2021: Sworn in as Vice President

On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President of the United States. This historic event made her the first woman, first African-American, and first Asian-American to hold the office.

2021: Became Vice President of the United States

In 2021, Kamala Harris became the 49th Vice President of the United States, serving under President Joe Biden. This made her the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office.

July 2024: Improved Approval Ratings After Nomination

After becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July 2024, Kamala Harris's approval ratings rapidly increased.

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.

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.