Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris, born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, is a prominent American politician and attorney who made history as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. She is celebrated for being the first female, first African American, and first Asian American vice president, marking a significant milestone in U.S. history as the highest-ranking female and Asian public official.

Harris's political journey began after graduating from Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. She started her legal career in the Alameda County District Attorney's Office and later joined the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. In 2003, she was elected as the district attorney of San Francisco, and in 2010, she became the attorney general of California, a position she held until 2017.

As a U.S. senator from California from 2017 to 2021, Harris gained national recognition for her advocacy on issues such as gun control, the DREAM Act, and healthcare reform. She was the second Black female and first South Asian American senator, known for her incisive questioning during Senate hearings, particularly regarding the Trump administration.

In 2019, Harris sought the Democratic presidential nomination but withdrew before the primaries. However, she was selected as Joe Biden's running mate, and their ticket won the 2020 presidential election. During her vice presidency, she cast 33 tie-breaking votes, more than any other vice president, playing a crucial role in passing significant legislation.

Following Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, Harris launched her own campaign with his endorsement. She became the Democratic nominee and chose Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate, though she ultimately lost the election to the Republican candidates, former president Trump and senator JD Vance.