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 for serving as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. She holds the distinction of being the first female, African American, and Asian American to hold this office. Prior to becoming Vice President, Harris represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (2011-2017). As a member of 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: Ran for District Attorney of San Francisco

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

2003: Elected District Attorney of San Francisco

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

2007: Ran unopposed for a second term

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

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

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

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

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

2014: Re-elected as Attorney General of California

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

2014: Reelected as Attorney General

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

2014: Harris was reelected

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

2015: Endorsement from EMILY's List

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

November 2016: Elected as U.S. Senator

In November 2016, Kamala Harris defeated Loretta Sanchez in the election to become a U.S. Senator for California.

2016: Won the Senate election

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

August 11, 2020: Biden Announces Harris as Running Mate

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

In 2020, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden won the presidential election, defeating the incumbent president and vice president, Donald Trump and Mike Pence.

2020: Harris Becomes 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 Serves as Acting President

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president of the United States while President Biden underwent a colonoscopy. She was 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.

December 5, 2023: Harris Breaks Record for Most Tie-Breaking Votes 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, exceeding John C. Calhoun's record of 31 votes.

July 2024: Increased Approval Rating

In July 2024, Kamala Harris's approval ratings 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, receiving endorsements from various prominent figures. Her campaign raised $81 million in the first 24 hours.

September 10, 2024: Presidential Debate

On September 10, 2024, Kamala Harris participated in a presidential debate against Donald Trump, hosted by ABC News in Philadelphia. After the debate, Taylor Swift gave Harris a prominent celebrity endorsement.