Vice President Kamala Harris' Career in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

California Senator Kamala Harris speaks during a rally launching her presidential campaign on Jan. 27, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.Photo: NOAH BERGER/AFP via Getty

Kamala Harrisshattered glass ceilings as the first woman, Black American and South Asian American to beelected U.S. vice presidenton Jan. 20, 2021— but she wasmaking history long beforethen.

Harris proceeded to have a long career in public service, serving as the San Francisco district attorney from 2004 to 2010,per CBS News. She then broke ground as the first Black woman to be elected as California attorney general (holding office from 2011 until 2017) before representing California in the U.S. Senate from 2017 to 2021.

Despite her significant achievements for the Democratic Party, Harris has continued to navigate backlash in her progress,determined to push for more progressin the nation.

“Some people, frankly, are limited in their ability to understand what’s possible,” Harris told PEOPLE in 2023. “Some people just can’t see what they’ve never seen. And that’s okay. That’s whywe have people who break ground, break glass, break barriers.”

On July 21, 2024, Harrissought another glass ceiling to breakwhen she became the Democratic Party’s front-runner for the presidential nomination, following PresidentJoe Biden’s announcement that he wasending his 2024 bid for reelection. With Biden’s support and endorsement, Harrisbroke a fundraising record24 hours into her 2024 presidential campaign. If elected, she would become the first-ever woman to hold office as the president of the U.S.

“With this selfless and patriotic act, President Biden is doing what he has done throughout his life of service: putting the American people and our country above everything else,” Harris wrote in a statement, adding, “I am honored to have the President’s endorsement, and my intention is to earn and win this nomination.”

From early positions as district attorney and California attorney general to her journey to the White House, see Vice President Harris' trailblazing career in the photos below.

01of 29Kamala Harris in CollegeKamala Harris (right) in a throwback photo, posing next to her sorority sister from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority.Kamala Harris/InstagramHarris graduated from Howard University with degrees in political science and economics in 1986.The former California state senator wroteon Instagramon Jan. 15, 2021, that, for her, “Howard is home.“She explained, “At Howard, you can be a football player and a valedictorian. You can be a budding computer scientist and a poet. You can have a 4.0, intern on Capitol Hill, and still find time to hang out with friends on the weekend.“Howard was also the first place Harris ran for elected office.The vice president wrote of her experience, “Howard taught me that while you will often find that you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, or who has had the experiences you’ve had, you must remember: you are never alone. Your entire Bison family will be in that room with you, cheering you on, as you speak up and speak out. We’re with you every step of the way.”

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Kamala Harris in College

Kamala Harris (right) in a throwback photo, posing next to her sorority sister from Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority.Kamala Harris/Instagram

Kamala Harris/Instagram

Harris graduated from Howard University with degrees in political science and economics in 1986.

The former California state senator wroteon Instagramon Jan. 15, 2021, that, for her, “Howard is home.”

She explained, “At Howard, you can be a football player and a valedictorian. You can be a budding computer scientist and a poet. You can have a 4.0, intern on Capitol Hill, and still find time to hang out with friends on the weekend.”

Howard was also the first place Harris ran for elected office.

The vice president wrote of her experience, “Howard taught me that while you will often find that you’re the only one in the room who looks like you, or who has had the experiences you’ve had, you must remember: you are never alone. Your entire Bison family will be in that room with you, cheering you on, as you speak up and speak out. We’re with you every step of the way.”

02of 29Kamala Harris the LawyerDeputy district attorney Kamala Harris at the Alameda County Superior Court in Oakland, Calif., on March 28, 1997.Mary F. Calvert/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via GettyAfter getting her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1989, Harris served as a deputy district attorney in Oakland, Calif., from 1990 to 1998.

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Kamala Harris the Lawyer

Deputy district attorney Kamala Harris at the Alameda County Superior Court in Oakland, Calif., on March 28, 1997.Mary F. Calvert/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty

After getting her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1989, Harris served as a deputy district attorney in Oakland, Calif., from 1990 to 1998.

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Kamala Harris' Family

Harris — whose mom and dad immigrated to the United States from India and Jamaica, respectively — credits her late mother,Shyamala Gopalan Harris, for influencing her to become a politician.

04of 29Kamala Harris as District AttorneyKamala Harris during an interview with ‘Oakland Tribune’ reporter Josh Richman at her office at the San Francisco Hall of Justice on May 12, 2004.Sean Connelley/MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via GettyHarris was elected district attorney in California in 2003. She was the first female D.A. in San Francisco’s history, as well as the first Black and South Asian American woman ever elected to serve in the role.

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Kamala Harris as District Attorney

Kamala Harris during an interview with ‘Oakland Tribune’ reporter Josh Richman at her office at the San Francisco Hall of Justice on May 12, 2004.Sean Connelley/MediaNews Group/Oakland Tribune via Getty

Harris was elected district attorney in California in 2003. She was the first female D.A. in San Francisco’s history, as well as the first Black and South Asian American woman ever elected to serve in the role.

05of 29Kamala Harris Reflects on Her CareerKamala Harris waves to the crowd during the annual Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco on June 28, 2009.D. Ross Cameron/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via GettyAhead of inauguration day in 2021, Harris sharedon Instagramwhy she became a prosecutor and ultimately followed the path that led her to the role of Vice President of the United States.She wrote that, in high school, her best friend revealed to her that she was being molested.Harris recalled, “A big part of the reason I wanted to be a prosecutor was to protect people like her and change the system. In fact, a big part of my career has been about protecting women and children, including prosecuting child sexual assault cases, and ensuring that children had a shot at being great.““In our system of justice, we believe that a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us,” she continued. “That’s why when we file a case, it’s not filed in the name of the victim. It reads, ‘The People.’ And my whole life, I’ve only had one client: the people.“After sharing some of her proudest accomplishments, she concluded, “Ever since that moment in high school, I knew I wanted to protect people — and that is what I did and will continue to do in the White House.”

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Kamala Harris Reflects on Her Career

Kamala Harris waves to the crowd during the annual Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco on June 28, 2009.D. Ross Cameron/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty

Ahead of inauguration day in 2021, Harris sharedon Instagramwhy she became a prosecutor and ultimately followed the path that led her to the role of Vice President of the United States.

She wrote that, in high school, her best friend revealed to her that she was being molested.

Harris recalled, “A big part of the reason I wanted to be a prosecutor was to protect people like her and change the system. In fact, a big part of my career has been about protecting women and children, including prosecuting child sexual assault cases, and ensuring that children had a shot at being great.”

“In our system of justice, we believe that a harm against any one of us is a harm against all of us,” she continued. “That’s why when we file a case, it’s not filed in the name of the victim. It reads, ‘The People.’ And my whole life, I’ve only had one client: the people.”

After sharing some of her proudest accomplishments, she concluded, “Ever since that moment in high school, I knew I wanted to protect people — and that is what I did and will continue to do in the White House.”

06of 29Kamala Harris and Prop 8Kamala Harris (center) during a rally of Prop. 8 opponents outside city hall in Oakland, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2008.D. Ross Cameron/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via GettyIn 2008, the Supreme Court struck down Proposition 22, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman,according to theLos Angeles Times. Shortly after, California’s Proposition 8 was introduced and later passed, beginning a freeze on same-sex marriages in the state.Harris refused to defend the proposition,tellingThe Advocatein 2010, “It would be inappropriate for a state on the verge of bankruptcy to use all of those resources to defend a law found to be unconstitutional.”

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Kamala Harris and Prop 8

Kamala Harris (center) during a rally of Prop. 8 opponents outside city hall in Oakland, Calif., on Oct. 21, 2008.D. Ross Cameron/MediaNews Group/The Mercury News via Getty

In 2008, the Supreme Court struck down Proposition 22, which defined marriage as between a man and a woman,according to theLos Angeles Times. Shortly after, California’s Proposition 8 was introduced and later passed, beginning a freeze on same-sex marriages in the state.

Harris refused to defend the proposition,tellingThe Advocatein 2010, “It would be inappropriate for a state on the verge of bankruptcy to use all of those resources to defend a law found to be unconstitutional.”

07of 29Kamala Harris as Attorney GeneralKamala Harris holds a press conference to discuss the hard-fought Attorney General race.Ted Soqui/Corbis via GettyIn 2010, Harris was elected the Attorney General of California. Again, Harris blazed a trail as the first woman, Black American and South Asian American to hold the title in California’s history.

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Kamala Harris as Attorney General

Kamala Harris holds a press conference to discuss the hard-fought Attorney General race.Ted Soqui/Corbis via Getty

In 2010, Harris was elected the Attorney General of California. Again, Harris blazed a trail as the first woman, Black American and South Asian American to hold the title in California’s history.

08of 29Kamala Harris and Barack ObamaKamala Harris and Barack Obama talking to each other while arriving at the San Francisco International Airport.Eric Risberg/AP/ShutterstockHarris was an early supporter of former PresidentBarack Obama. Here, she is seen greeting him in San Francisco in 2012.When Bidenselected Harris as his running matein 2020, Obama wrote in a statementon X(formerly Twitter), “I’ve known Senator Harris for a long time. She is more than prepared for the job. She’s spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake. Her own life story is one that I and so many others can see ourselves in: a story that says that no matter where you come from, what you look like, how you worship or who you love, there’s a place for your here. It’s a fundamentally American perspective, one that’s led us out of the hardest of times before. And it’s a perspective we can all rally behind right now.”

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Kamala Harris and Barack Obama

Kamala Harris and Barack Obama talking to each other while arriving at the San Francisco International Airport.Eric Risberg/AP/Shutterstock

Harris was an early supporter of former PresidentBarack Obama. Here, she is seen greeting him in San Francisco in 2012.

When Bidenselected Harris as his running matein 2020, Obama wrote in a statementon X(formerly Twitter), “I’ve known Senator Harris for a long time. She is more than prepared for the job. She’s spent her career defending our Constitution and fighting for folks who need a fair shake. Her own life story is one that I and so many others can see ourselves in: a story that says that no matter where you come from, what you look like, how you worship or who you love, there’s a place for your here. It’s a fundamentally American perspective, one that’s led us out of the hardest of times before. And it’s a perspective we can all rally behind right now.”

09of 29Kamala Harris at the Democratic National ConventionKamala Harris speaks on the second night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service via GettyIn 2012, Harris addressed the Democratic National Convention (DNC), re-nominating President Obama and Vice President Biden ahead of that year’s presidential election.

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Kamala Harris at the Democratic National Convention

Kamala Harris speaks on the second night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.Harry E. Walker/Tribune News Service via Getty

In 2012, Harris addressed the Democratic National Convention (DNC), re-nominating President Obama and Vice President Biden ahead of that year’s presidential election.

10of 29Kamala Harris Officiates a Same-Sex WeddingKamala Harris officiates the wedding of Kris Perry (left) and Sandy Stier (second from left) in San Francisco on June 28, 2013.Jeff Chiu/AP/ShutterstockThe Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and dismissed Proposition 8 in 2013. Harris officiated the first same-sex wedding in California since 2008 between Prop 8 plaintiffs Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier.

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Kamala Harris Officiates a Same-Sex Wedding

Kamala Harris officiates the wedding of Kris Perry (left) and Sandy Stier (second from left) in San Francisco on June 28, 2013.Jeff Chiu/AP/Shutterstock

The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act and dismissed Proposition 8 in 2013. Harris officiated the first same-sex wedding in California since 2008 between Prop 8 plaintiffs Kristin Perry and Sandra Stier.

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Kamala Harris and Husband Doug Emhoff

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff attend a grassroots fundraiser for the Biden Victory Fund in Wilmington, Del., on Aug. 21, 2020.Adam Schultz/Biden for President

Harris is the first stepmom VP as well! Emhoff has two children,ColeandElla, from a previous marriage.

12of 29Kamala Harris the SenatorKamala Harris addresses the crowd during a campaign stop for her bid for the U.S. Senate in San Jose, Calif., on Feb. 16, 2016.Gary Reyes/MediaNews Group/The Mercury via GettyHarris became the second Black and first South Asian American woman elected to the Senate in 2016.

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Kamala Harris the Senator

Kamala Harris addresses the crowd during a campaign stop for her bid for the U.S. Senate in San Jose, Calif., on Feb. 16, 2016.Gary Reyes/MediaNews Group/The Mercury via Getty

Harris became the second Black and first South Asian American woman elected to the Senate in 2016.

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Kamala Harris Is Sworn In

From left: Kamala Harris, Douglas Emhoff and Joe Biden during a swearing-in ceremony in the Capitol’s Old Senate Chamber on Jan. 3, 2017.Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

14of 29Kamal Harris in the SenateKamal Harris attends the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Sept. 4, 2018.Tom Williams/CQ Roll CallHarris attended the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nomineeBrett Kavanaughin 2018. Harris' past as a prosecutor was on display during her questioning in Senate hearings.

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Kamal Harris in the Senate

Kamal Harris attends the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Sept. 4, 2018.Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Harris attended the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nomineeBrett Kavanaughin 2018. Harris' past as a prosecutor was on display during her questioning in Senate hearings.

15of 29Kamala Harris' Book,Superheroes Are EverywhereKamala Harris reads to her audience at a Barnes & Noble signing event for ‘Superheroes Are Everywhere’ in Los Angeles on Jan. 13, 2019.Michael Tullberg/GettyIn January 2019, Harris read her bookSuperheroes Are Everywhereto a group of children at Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles. She has written three other books and had several written about her, both for children and adults.

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Kamala Harris' Book,Superheroes Are Everywhere

Kamala Harris reads to her audience at a Barnes & Noble signing event for ‘Superheroes Are Everywhere’ in Los Angeles on Jan. 13, 2019.Michael Tullberg/Getty

In January 2019, Harris read her bookSuperheroes Are Everywhereto a group of children at Barnes & Noble in Los Angeles. She has written three other books and had several written about her, both for children and adults.

16of 29Kamala Harris' Presidential CampaignKamala Harris speaks during a rally launching her presidential campaign in Oakland, Calif. on Jan. 27, 2019.NOAH BERGER/AFP via GettyThat same month, Harris announced she was running for president in 2020.

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Kamala Harris' Presidential Campaign

Kamala Harris speaks during a rally launching her presidential campaign in Oakland, Calif. on Jan. 27, 2019.NOAH BERGER/AFP via Getty

That same month, Harris announced she was running for president in 2020.

17of 29Kamala Harris Campaigns for the PresidencyKamala Harris meets Nevada voters in the Canyon Springs High School gymnasium in Las Vegas on March 1, 2019.Melina Mara/The Washington Post via GettyIn March 2019, Harris paused to chat with some young girls while holding a town hall event in North Las Vegas.

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Kamala Harris Campaigns for the Presidency

Kamala Harris meets Nevada voters in the Canyon Springs High School gymnasium in Las Vegas on March 1, 2019.Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty

In March 2019, Harris paused to chat with some young girls while holding a town hall event in North Las Vegas.

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Kamala Harris in the Democratic Debate

Harris went toe-to-toe with the other Democratic candidates at the Democratic Party presidential debate at Otterbein University in October 2019. Shedropped out of the 2020 presidential racethe following month.

19of 29Kamala Harris and Joe BidenKamala Harris and Joe Biden shaking hands while laughing in 2020.Maya Harris/TwitterOn Aug. 11, 2020, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Biden announced that he hadselected Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color to be on a major-party presidential ticket.Harris told PEOPLE of being asked to step into the role, “I was absolutely, and remain, soexcited about our partnershipand all the potential of our country that has yet to be achieved.”

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Kamala Harris and Joe Biden

Kamala Harris and Joe Biden shaking hands while laughing in 2020.Maya Harris/Twitter

On Aug. 11, 2020, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Biden announced that he hadselected Harris as his running mate, making her the first woman of color to be on a major-party presidential ticket.

Harris told PEOPLE of being asked to step into the role, “I was absolutely, and remain, soexcited about our partnershipand all the potential of our country that has yet to be achieved.”

20of 29Kamala Harris Hits a Battleground State in 2020Kamala Harris speaks at a Shop Talk held outside Whites Barbershop in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 28, 2020.Sara D. Davis/GettyHarris continued to campaign alongside and apart from Biden, even as theongoing coronavirus pandemicmeant that those events were socially distanced and smaller. Here, she is pictured speaking outside Whites Barbershop in Raleigh, N.C., in September 2020.

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Kamala Harris Hits a Battleground State in 2020

Kamala Harris speaks at a Shop Talk held outside Whites Barbershop in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 28, 2020.Sara D. Davis/Getty

Harris continued to campaign alongside and apart from Biden, even as theongoing coronavirus pandemicmeant that those events were socially distanced and smaller. Here, she is pictured speaking outside Whites Barbershop in Raleigh, N.C., in September 2020.

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Kamala Harris Debates Mike Pence

Kamala Harris speaks at the vice presidential debate at the University of Utah on Oct. 7, 2020.getty images

In Salt Lake City in October 2020, Harrisdebated Vice President Mike Pence.The two discussed everything from the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic to the Affordable Care Act.

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Kamala Harris Becomes Vice President

From left: Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden and Jill Biden address their supporters at Chase Center in Wilmington, Del., on Nov, 7, 2020, after being named the winners.Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

“While I may be the first woman in this office,I will not be the last,” the vice president-elect said in her first speech to the nation.

Harris is also the United States' first Black and South Asian vice president.

23of 29Kamala Harris at the 2021 InaugurationFrom left: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff at the inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021.Rob Carr/GettyOn Jan. 20, 2021, Harris wassworn in as the vice presidentof the United States.The new VP wrote on herofficial White House social media accountsfollowing her swearing-in, “Ready to serve.”

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Kamala Harris at the 2021 Inauguration

From left: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff at the inauguration ceremony on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, 2021.Rob Carr/Getty

On Jan. 20, 2021, Harris wassworn in as the vice presidentof the United States.

The new VP wrote on herofficial White House social media accountsfollowing her swearing-in, “Ready to serve.”

24of 29Kamala Harris Turned Into a Wax FigureArtist molding a face in the likeness of Kamala Harris for Madame Tussauds New York on April 28, 2021.Merlin EntertainmentsMadame Tussauds New York traditionally creates a wax figure of each U.S. president, but Harris receiving one alsomarked the first time for a vice president.Unveiled on Jan. 20, 2022 — exactly one year after Inauguration Day — the wax sculptures of Biden and Harris are displayed inthe museum’s Oval Office replica, dressed in the outfits theywore while sworn into the White House.

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Kamala Harris Turned Into a Wax Figure

Artist molding a face in the likeness of Kamala Harris for Madame Tussauds New York on April 28, 2021.Merlin Entertainments

Madame Tussauds New York traditionally creates a wax figure of each U.S. president, but Harris receiving one alsomarked the first time for a vice president.

Unveiled on Jan. 20, 2022 — exactly one year after Inauguration Day — the wax sculptures of Biden and Harris are displayed inthe museum’s Oval Office replica, dressed in the outfits theywore while sworn into the White House.

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Kamala Harris at West Point

Kamala Harris delivers the keynote speech at Michie Stadium during West Point’s graduation ceremony on May 27, 2023.Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

“These milestones are a reminder of a fundamental truth,” Harris said during her speech. “Our military is strongest when it reflects people of America.”

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Kamala Harris Swearing in Senator Laphonza Butler

From left: Laphonza Butler, Neneki Lee and Kamala Harris during Butler’s ceremonial swearing-in in the Old Senate Chamber in the Capitol on Oct. 3, 2023.Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Like Harris, Butler holds the distinction of being the sole Black woman — and only the third in history — serving in the U.S. Senate. She also makes history as the first Black lesbian in Congress and the first LGBTQ+ person to represent California.

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Kamala Harris Responding to Gun Violence in the U.S.

Joe Biden (left), Maxwell Frost and Kamala Harris during a Rose Garden event on gun safety at the White House on Sept. 22, 2023.Alex Wong/Getty

Alex Wong/Getty

Months after America’s first Gen Z congressman,Maxwell Frost, proposed a bill to assemble a federal office reserved for addressing the nation’s gun violence crisis, the Biden administrationestablished the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, with Harris at the helm.

The vice president has been a staunch leader on gun violence protection. In December 2023, the Biden-Harris administration launched the Safer States Initiative (via The White House), offering states additional resources and support to improve gun safety efforts.

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Kamala Harris Scores Two Tie-Breaking Records in the U.S. Senate

Kamala Harris speaks onstage during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans.Arturo Holmes/Getty

Arturo Holmes/Getty

29of 29Kamala Harris Running for PresidentJIM WATSON/AFP via GettyIn July 2024, following concerns about his debate performance, President Joe Biden stepped out of the race for president and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to take the nomination instead.Harris quickly secured the necessary delegates to become the official candidate, and immediately launched her campaign against the Republican nominee, former president Donald J. Trump.With Minnesota governor Tim Walz on board as her vice presidential candidate, the sitting VP launched a campaign focused on messaging “We’re not going back,” andgave a closing speech focused on unity at the Ellipse, the site of the beginning of the January 6 insurrection.On Nov. 5, 2026, voters cast their ballots for the nominees, and results were awaited.

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Kamala Harris Running for President

JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty

In July 2024, following concerns about his debate performance, President Joe Biden stepped out of the race for president and endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to take the nomination instead.

Harris quickly secured the necessary delegates to become the official candidate, and immediately launched her campaign against the Republican nominee, former president Donald J. Trump.

With Minnesota governor Tim Walz on board as her vice presidential candidate, the sitting VP launched a campaign focused on messaging “We’re not going back,” andgave a closing speech focused on unity at the Ellipse, the site of the beginning of the January 6 insurrection.

On Nov. 5, 2026, voters cast their ballots for the nominees, and results were awaited.

source: people.com