Kamala Harris's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 10, 2026

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 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

2002: Ran for District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2002, Kamala Harris ran for district attorney of San Francisco, winning the election with 56% of the vote.

2003: Elected District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2003, Kamala Harris was elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco.

2007: Ran Unopposed for 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, habitual truancy among elementary school students in San Francisco decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, following efforts by Kamala Harris's office.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected as the Attorney General of California.

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General

In 2014, Kamala Harris was re-elected as attorney general, defeating Ronald Gold.

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General of California

In 2014, Kamala Harris was re-elected as the Attorney General of California.

2015: Endorsement from EMILY's List

In 2015, EMILY's List endorsed Kamala Harris during her senatorial campaign.

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, allowing her campaign to receive financial support from the party.

November 2016: Defeated Sanchez in Election

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez with over 60% of the vote to become a U.S. Senator.

2016: Won the 2016 Senate Election

In 2016, Kamala Harris won the election to become a U.S. Senator representing California.

2017: Became U.S. Senator from California

In 2017, Kamala Harris became the junior U.S. Senator from California, serving until 2021.

August 11, 2020: Biden Announces Harris as Running Mate

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

2020: Rating from Planned Parenthood Action Fund and National Right to Life Committee

As of 2020, Kamala Harris had a 100% rating from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and a 0% rating from the National Right to Life Committee.

2020: Harris Becomes Vice President-Elect

In 2020, Kamala Harris became the Vice President-elect of the United States, after Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.

2020: Elected Vice President of the United States

In 2020, Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States as Joe Biden's running mate, defeating incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

January 20, 2021: Harris Sworn in as Vice President

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

November 19, 2021: Harris Serves as Acting President

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

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.

2021: Began Vice Presidency and Presided Over Evenly Split Senate

In 2021, upon beginning her vice presidency, Kamala Harris presided over an evenly split U.S. Senate, casting tie-breaking votes, including votes to pass the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act.

December 5, 2023: Harris Breaks Record for Tie-Breaking Votes

On December 5, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris broke the record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a vice president, reaching her 32nd vote and exceeding John C. Calhoun's record.

July 2024: Improved Approval Ratings

In July 2024, after becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris's approval rating rose rapidly.

July 21, 2024: Biden Endorses Harris

On July 21, 2024, Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris to replace him as the party's presidential nominee.

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate with Trump

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris participated in a presidential debate with Trump, where she was declared the winner by several political analysts and received an endorsement from Taylor Swift.