Kamala Harris is a name that has been making headlines since 2020, and for a good reason. She made history as the first woman, the first Black person, and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected Vice President of the United States. But who is Kamala Harris, and how did she rise to this position of power? In this article, we’ll explore Kamala Harris’s background, career, and political beliefs to gain a better understanding of the woman behind the title.
Who is Kamala Harris?
Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California, on October 20, 1964, to immigrant parents from Jamaica and India. She attended Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., where she studied political science and economics. After graduating, she returned to California and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law.
Career in Law
After law school, Kamala Harris began her career as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California. In 1998, she joined the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, where she quickly gained a reputation as a tough prosecutor. In 2003, she was elected District Attorney of San Francisco, becoming the first woman and Black person to hold that office.
As District Attorney, Kamala Harris implemented some progressive policies, including a program that directed low-level drug offenders to job training and education programs rather than prison. She also refused to seek the death penalty for a man who had killed a police officer. This decision was controversial but aligned with her opposition to the death penalty.
In 2010, Kamala Harris ran for Attorney General of California and won, becoming the first woman, Black person, and South Asian person to hold that office. As Attorney General, she pursued progressive policies, such as cracking down on mortgage fraud and fighting for marriage equality.
Political Career
In 2016, Kamala Harris was elected to the United States Senate, representing California. As a Senator, she became known for her tough questioning of witnesses during Senate hearings, including Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. She also championed progressive causes such as criminal justice reform, immigration reform, and healthcare for all.
In 2020, Kamala Harris announced she was running for President of the United States. Although she ultimately dropped out of the race before the primaries, her campaign energized many voters, particularly women and people of color.
Later that year, Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for President, announced that Kamala Harris would be his running mate. On November 7, 2020, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were declared the winners of the presidential election, making Kamala Harris the first woman, the first Black person, and the first South Asian person to be elected Vice President of the United States.
Political Beliefs
Kamala Harris is a progressive Democrat who supports many policies addressing social and economic inequality. She has been a vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, including ending cash bail and reducing mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenses. She also supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and protections for DREAMers.
Kamala Harris supports expanding access to affordable healthcare for all Americans, including a public option for health insurance. She also supports many measures to address climate change, including transitioning to renewable energy and investing in green infrastructure.
FAQs
What does Kamala Harris do?
Kamala Harris is currently the Vice President of the United States.
Where did Kamala Harris go to college?
Kamala Harris attended Howard University and the University of California, Hastings College of the
Law. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Howard University and her Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s rise to power as the first woman, Black person, and South Asian person to hold the position of Vice President of the United States is nothing short of historic. Her career in law and politics has been marked by her commitment to progressive policies and advocacy for social and economic justice. As Vice President, she will continue to work towards a more just and equitable society, and her presence in the White House will inspire women and people of color worldwide.
