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, marking her as the first female, African-American, and Asian-American to hold the office. Previously, she was a United States Senator representing California from 2017 to 2021, and the Attorney General of California from 2011 to 2017. A prominent figure in the Democratic Party, she was also 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: Elected District Attorney of San Francisco

In 2002, Kamala Harris was elected district attorney of San Francisco, becoming the first person of color to hold the position.

2007: Re-elected as District Attorney

In 2007, Kamala Harris ran unopposed and was re-elected for a second term as district attorney of San Francisco.

2007: Truancy down from 2006

In 2007, the number of habitual or chronic truants in elementary schools in San Francisco was down from 2,856 in 2006.

April 2009: Truancy down 23% from 2008

By April 2009, the number of habitual or chronic truants in elementary schools in San Francisco was down 23% from 2008.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

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

2014: Harris reelected as Attorney General

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected as Attorney General, defeating Republican nominee Ronald Gold.

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General of California

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected as the Attorney General of California.

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: Elected to the Senate

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez and was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming the second Black woman and first South Asian American senator in history.

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. She was the first African American, the first Indian American, and the third woman to be a vice-presidential nominee on a major-party ticket.

2020: Harris became the Vice President-elect

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

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 served as acting president during Biden's colonoscopy

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president while Joe Biden underwent a colonoscopy, becoming the first woman to assume the powers and duties of the presidency as acting president of the United States.

July 2024: Harris's Approval Ratings Rise

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

July 21, 2024: Biden Endorses Harris for President

On July 21, 2024, Joe Biden suspended his reelection campaign and endorsed Kamala Harris for president. Her campaign raised $81 million in the first 24 hours. Had she won, Harris would have been the first female and first Asian-American president.

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate between Harris and Trump

On September 10, 2024, ABC News hosted the presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Philadelphia. Analysts declared Harris the winner, highlighting her abortion rights stance and strong performance. Taylor Swift endorsed her afterwards.