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1964 - Birth and Early Life
Kamala Harris is born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents. Her mother is from India, and her father is from Jamaica. -
Graduates from Howard University
Kamala Harris earns her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Howard University in Washington, D.C. -
Graduates from University of California, Hastings College of the Law
After completing law school, Harris begins her legal career in California. -
Early Legal Career
Harris works as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, focusing on prosecuting cases of domestic violence and child sexual assault. -
Elected San Francisco District Attorney
Kamala Harris becomes the first woman, first African American woman, and first South Asian American to serve as District Attorney of San Francisco. -
Elected California Attorney General
Harris is elected as California’s Attorney General, making history as the first woman, African American, and South Asian American to hold the position. -
U.S. Senate Election
Kamala Harris is elected as California’s U.S. Senator, becoming the second African American woman and the first South Asian American to serve in the Senate -
Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform
As a U.S. Senator, Harris advocates for criminal justice reform, focusing on police accountability, sentencing reform, and eliminating cash bail. -
Selected as Joe Biden’s Running Mate
Kamala Harris is chosen by former Vice President Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate, making her the first woman, first African American, and first South Asian American to be nominated for vice president by a major political party. -
Inaugurated as Vice President of the United States
On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris is inaugurated as Vice President, breaking barriers and becoming the highest-ranking woman in U.S. history and the first woman of color to hold the office.