Kamala Harris: Inspiring life story of America’s first future female President

Kamala Devi Harris is a prominent American politician, attorney, and the current Vice President of the United States.

She made history as the first female, first African American and first South Asian Vice President in U.S. history.

Before becoming vice president, Harris was a U.S. senator from California (2017-2021) and the state’s Attorney General.

She is also a presidential candidate in the 2024 election, with Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz as her running mate.

Early life

Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964 to immigrant parents, a Black father and an Indian mother.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer scientist from India, and her father, Donald Harris, is an economist from Jamaica.

Harris at a tender age with her mother, Shyamala Gopalan

Harris was raised primarily by her single mother following her parents’ divorce. According to her, her mother embraced black culture and fully incorporated it into the lives of her two daughters, Kamala and her younger sister Maya.

Growing up in a culturally diverse environment, Harris was exposed to both African American and Indian traditions, shaping her global perspective.

Education

Harris attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington, D.C., where she earned a degree in political science and economics.

She later obtained her Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

Career as a Prosecutor

Harris began her career in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, where she focused on prosecuting child sexual assault cases.

Her commitment to justice and public safety propelled her to the role of District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003.

During her tenure, she implemented significant reforms, including the creation of a program to provide first-time drug offenders with the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and find employment instead of serving jail time.

In 2010, Harris was elected as the Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman and the first Black person to hold the position.

She served two terms, during which she tackled issues such as criminal justice reform, marriage equality, and the housing crisis.

Throughout her career, Harris has been known for her advocacy on issues such as gun control, the DREAM Act, and federal cannabis legalization.

U.S. Senate

In 2016, Harris was elected to the United States Senate, representing California.

As a senator, she gained a reputation for her sharp questioning during Senate hearings, particularly her exchanges with Rod Rosenstein and Jeff Sessions over the firing of FBI Director James Comey, drew widespread attention and highlighted her prosecutorial style.

Harris advocated for health care reform, environmental justice, and immigration reform, aligning with progressive policies.

From her successful Senate campaign to her fierce advocacy on Capitol Hill, Kamala Harris quickly established herself as a formidable presence in American politics, confronting some of the most pressing issues of her time.

Vice Presidency

Kamala Harris was chosen as Joe Biden’s running mate in the 2020 presidential election, and they won, defeating incumbent President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.

Harris’s election as Vice President marked several historic firsts, breaking barriers for women and people of color in American politics.

As Vice President, Harris has focused on various issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, immigration, and voting rights. She has been a key advisor to President Biden and has represented the administration on the global stage.

Presidential nomination

On July 21, 2024, in a surprising turn of events, incumbent President Joe Biden suspended his campaign for reelection and threw his full support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.

This endorsement propelled Harris into the position of the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election.

Alongside Biden, Harris received endorsements from influential figures, including Jimmy Carter, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack and Michelle Obama, and the Congressional Black Caucus, further solidifying her status as the party’s frontrunner.

In the first 24 hours following her official announcement, Harris’s campaign garnered an unprecedented $81 million in small-dollar donations, setting a new record for single-day fundraising in a presidential race.

If victorious in the election, Harris would make history as the first female and first Asian-American president, as well as the second African-American president of the United States, following Barack Obama.

By August 5, 2024, Harris had secured the Democratic nomination through a virtual roll call of delegates.

The following day, she announced Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, a choice that reflected her focus on balancing the ticket with experience and regional appeal.

Harris with her running mate, Tim Walz

Literary works

In addition to her political career, Harris has authored two nonfiction books: “Smart on Crime: A Career Prosecutor’s Plan to Make Us Safer” (2009) and “The Truths We Hold: An American Journey” (2019).

She has also written a children’s book titled “Superheroes Are Everywhere” (2019), reflecting her commitment to inspiring future generations.

Personal Life

Kamala Harris is married to Doug Emhoff, an attorney who became the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States. She is also a stepmother to his two children, Cole and Ella.

Kamala Harris together with her husband and step-children

Harris is deeply rooted in her faith, holding membership at the Third Baptist Church of San Francisco, part of the American Baptist Churches USA.

She is also active in The Links, an exclusive social and service organization for prominent Black American women.

Her family is equally accomplished, her sister Maya is a lawyer and political analyst for MSNBC, her brother-in-law Tony West serves as general counsel at Uber, and her niece Meena Harris is a successful entrepreneur and activist.

Net worth

As of August 2024, Harris has a net worth estimate of over $8 million

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