Kamala Harris stands at a pivotal moment in U.S. history, with the possibility of becoming the first female president. Her journey to this point has been marked by historic achievements and personal challenges. Here’s everything you need to know about her rise to prominence.
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Breaking barriers as vice-president
In 2020, Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first Black and first female vice-president of the United States. As Joe Biden’s running mate, she played a crucial role in defeating Donald Trump in a hotly contested election. Her groundbreaking achievement set the stage for her next ambitious goal: the presidency.
An unexpected path to the presidency
Harris’s presidential run came under unusual circumstances. In July 2024, Biden stepped aside, throwing his support behind Harris and giving her a unique opportunity to pursue the White House. With no major Democratic challengers, what typically is a 12-18 month campaign has been condensed into a whirlwind four-month sprint.
Campaign anthem: Freedom
Harris selected Beyoncé’s song “Freedom” as her campaign anthem, emphasizing the importance of liberty in her political platform. Central to her message is the promise of economic freedom, which includes expanding parental leave, childcare access, and ensuring reproductive rights in the face of rising abortion restrictions in certain states.
Additionally, she advocates for the freedom to vote and freedom from gun violence, although she herself is a gun owner. However, her critics argue that, as part of the current administration, she has not done enough to address these issues, especially on topics like immigration.
Past presidential bid and its challenges
In 2019, Harris attempted a presidential run but withdrew before the primaries due to a lackluster campaign. Despite early enthusiasm, her performance didn’t live up to expectations. This was a surprise to many, given her prominent role in the Senate, where she gained attention for her sharp questioning during congressional hearings.
Memorable moments in Congress
Harris became widely recognized for her incisive questioning during Senate hearings. One notable exchange involved Brett Kavanaugh, during his Supreme Court confirmation, where Harris asked whether any laws governed men’s bodies—a moment that quickly went viral.
Influences from childhood and career as prosecutor
Raised by her mother, cancer researcher and civil rights activist Shyamala Gopalan, Harris grew up near San Francisco. Immersed in both her Indian heritage and Black cultural influences, she found early inspiration from figures like Shirley Chisholm and Nina Simone. Harris credits her mother as the most important figure in her life.
Harris’s career began in law, rising through the ranks as a prosecutor before becoming California’s attorney general. In 2017, she entered the U.S. Senate, where her reputation as a formidable advocate grew.
A family built later in life
Kamala Harris met entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff on a blind date set up by a mutual friend. The couple married in 2014, and she became a stepmother to Emhoff’s children, Cole and Ella. Family time is central to Harris, especially their tradition of Sunday dinners, where they all contribute to preparing the meal.
Read also: US vice presidential debate 2024: everything you need to know
