Kamala Harris's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Kamala Devi Harris is an American politician and attorney, notable as the 49th Vice President of the United States (2021-2025) under President Joe Biden. She is the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold this office, making her the highest-ranking woman and Asian American in U.S. history. Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris 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, 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 with 56% of the vote, becoming the first person of color elected to the position.

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 Reduced

By April 2009, as a result of Kamala Harris's efforts to combat truancy, 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.

January 3, 2011: Took Office as Attorney General of California

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: Re-elected as Attorney General

In 2014, Kamala Harris was re-elected as attorney general of California.

2015: EMILY's List Endorses Harris

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

November 2016: Elected to the US Senate

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

August 11, 2020: Chosen as Vice-Presidential Nominee

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

2020: Harris's Ratings from Advocacy Groups

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

2020: Elected Vice President of the United States

In 2020, Kamala Harris was elected Vice President of the United States alongside President Joe Biden, defeating incumbents Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

2020: Won presidential election

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 first woman, first African-American, and first Asian-American to hold the office.

November 19, 2021: Served as Acting President

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.

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 marked her as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the position.

July 2024: Approval Ratings Rise After Nomination

After Kamala Harris became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee in July 2024, her approval ratings rose rapidly.

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 for president, receiving endorsements from prominent figures and raising $81 million in the first 24 hours of her candidacy.

September 10, 2024: Harris Participates in Presidential Debate Against Trump

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris debated Donald Trump in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, addressing abortion rights and being declared the winner by several political analysts. After the debate, Taylor Swift endorsed Harris.