Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States, making history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian vice president. Before her vice presidency, Harris served as a U.S. Senator from California and the Attorney General of California. She has been a prominent figure in American politics, known for her advocacy on issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, and immigration.
On July 21, U.S. President Joe Biden withdrew his candidacy from the presidential election. He named Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor, who has received the support of the majority of influential politicians from the Democratic Party.
Interesting Facts About Kamala Harris
- Historic Vice Presidency: Kamala Harris is the first woman, the first African American woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office of Vice President in the United States.
- Early Life and Education: Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. She is the daughter of immigrant parents; her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an Indian cancer researcher, and her father, Donald Harris, is a Jamaican American economist. She graduated from Howard University and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
- Career in Law: Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office before being elected as the District Attorney of San Francisco. In 2010, she was elected Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman and the first person of color to hold the position.
- Senate Career: In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate, representing California. During her tenure, she served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Intelligence Committee, and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
- Presidential Run: Harris ran for the Democratic nomination for President in the 2020 election. Though she ended her campaign before the primaries, she gained national recognition and was later selected by Joe Biden as his running mate.
- Books and Publications: Harris is an author, having written several books, including her memoir “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey” and a children’s book titled “Superheroes Are Everywhere.”
- Advocate for Justice: Throughout her career, Harris has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform. As Attorney General of California, she implemented the “Back on Track” program, aimed at reducing recidivism by offering job training and education to first-time non-violent offenders.
- Personal Life: Kamala Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff, who is the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States. Harris is also a stepmother to Emhoff’s two children from his previous marriage.
- Cultural Heritage: Harris embraces her multicultural heritage, often speaking about how her background has influenced her perspectives and policies. She regularly pays homage to her Indian and Jamaican roots.
- Trailblazer for Women: Harris’s election as Vice President has been a significant milestone for women in politics, inspiring many young girls and women around the world to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
Kamala Harris’s journey from a prosecutor in California to the Vice Presidency of the United States is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and commitment to public service. She continues to make history and shape the future of American politics.