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, making history as the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office. Prior to becoming Vice President, she represented California in the U.S. Senate (2017-2021) and served as California's Attorney General (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 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. This marked an important step in her early legal career.

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, 1,330 elementary school students were habitual or chronic truants, down 23% from 1,730 in 2008, and from 2,517 in 2007 and 2,856 in 2006.

2010: Elected Attorney General of California

In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected as the Attorney General of California, marking a historic achievement.

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: Reelected as Attorney General of California

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected as Attorney General of California, securing a second term in the office.

2014: Harris reelected as attorney general

In 2014, Kamala Harris was reelected as attorney general, defeating 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: Elected to the U.S. Senate

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

2016: Won the 2016 Senate Election

In 2016, Kamala Harris won the Senate election in California, leading to her service as a U.S. Senator from 2017 to 2021.

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 upcoming presidential election, marking several historic firsts.

2020: Harris Became Vice President-Elect

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

2020: Selected as Vice Presidential Running Mate

In 2020, Kamala Harris was selected by Joe Biden as his running mate for the presidential election. Their ticket went on to defeat the incumbent president and vice president.

January 20, 2021: 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, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American to hold the office.

November 19, 2021: Served as Acting President

On November 19, 2021, Kamala Harris served as acting president 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.

2021: Became Vice President of the United States

In 2021, Kamala Harris became the 49th Vice President of the United States, serving until 2025. She was the first female, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office.

December 5, 2023: Broke Record for Most Tie-Breaking Votes as 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.

July 2024: Rising Approval Ratings

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

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 prominent figures and raising $81 million in small-dollar donations in the first 24 hours of her candidacy.

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. Harris was declared the winner by several analysts, receiving a celebrity endorsement from Taylor Swift. However, polls showed difficulties in conveying that she could represent a "change".