On January 20, 2021, Kamala Harris was sworn in as Vice President of the United States, marking a series of historic firsts. She became the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American to hold this position. At 59 years old, Harris continues to break barriers and influence American politics. Married to Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer, they have two stepchildren, Ella and Cole. Harris’s net worth is estimated to be around $7 million.
Vice Presidential Focus
As Vice President, Kamala Harris has focused on uniting people to advance opportunities and protect fundamental freedoms across the country. She has been at the forefront of critical issues such as women’s reproductive rights, gun safety, voting rights, and environmental protection. Harris has also represented the United States on the global stage, embarking on more than a dozen foreign trips, traveling to over 19 countries, and meeting with more than 150 world leaders to strengthen international alliances.
Partnership with Biden
Harris has been a trusted partner to President Joe Biden, working together to deliver significant achievements for Americans. Their administration has made substantial investments in the economy, creating a record number of jobs and maintaining low unemployment. They have also capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month for seniors, reduced prescription prices, and expanded postpartum care through Medicaid. Additionally, they passed the first meaningful gun safety law in three decades and enacted a $1 trillion investment in infrastructure to improve public transit, repair bridges, and expand high-speed internet access.
Legislative Milestones
One of Harris’s notable accomplishments as Vice President is setting a new record for the most tie-breaking votes cast by a Vice President in history. Her decisive votes have been instrumental in passing significant legislation, including the landmark Inflation Reduction Act, which represents the largest investment ever in tackling the climate crisis. Harris also played a crucial role in confirming the first Black woman, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the Supreme Court, ensuring historic representation of women and people of color among federal nominees.
Early Political Career
Kamala Harris’s commitment to public service began long before her tenure as Vice President. In 2017, she was sworn into the United States Senate, where she championed legislation to combat hunger, provide rent relief, improve maternal health care, expand access to capital for small businesses, and address the climate crisis. She also served on the Judiciary Committee, where she questioned two Supreme Court nominees, and the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, where she worked to secure American elections from foreign threats.
Attorney General of California
In 2010, Harris was elected Attorney General of California, overseeing the largest state justice department in the country. She took on powerful interests, winning a $20 billion settlement for Californians whose homes had been foreclosed on and a $1.1 billion settlement for students and veterans defrauded by a for-profit education company. Harris also defended the Affordable Care Act in court and enforced environmental laws.
Legal Beginnings
Kamala Harris’s legal career began in 1990 when she joined the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, specializing in prosecuting child sexual assault cases. In 2004, she was elected District Attorney of San Francisco, where she became a national leader in the movement for LGBTQ+ rights, officiating the first same-sex wedding after Proposition 8 was overturned. She also established an environmental justice unit and created a groundbreaking program to provide first-time drug offenders with the opportunity to earn a high school degree and find employment, which the U.S. Department of Justice designated as a national model of innovation for law enforcement.
Personal Background
Born in Oakland, California, Kamala Harris is the daughter of immigrants. Her father, Donald Harris, was from Jamaica, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was from India. Shyamala was a pioneering breast cancer scientist who instilled in Harris a commitment to public service and social justice. Both of Harris’s parents were active in the civil rights movement, taking her to marches and teaching her about influential figures like Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and civil rights leader Constance Baker Motley.
Education and Family
Harris graduated from Howard University with a degree in political science and economics in 1986 and earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of Law in 1989. In 2014, she married Douglas Emhoff, and together they have a blended family that includes their children, Ella and Cole.
Principles and Legacy
Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has been guided by the principle of fighting for the people. Her work as a prosecutor, Attorney General, Senator, and now Vice President reflects her dedication to justice, equality, and public service. She continues to break new ground and inspire future generations with her leadership and commitment to making a difference.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s journey from a child in Oakland to the Vice Presidency is a testament to her resilience, dedication, and commitment to public service. Her historic role and achievements continue to shape American politics and inspire many across the nation. Harris’s legacy is one of breaking barriers and championing the rights and freedoms of all people, fulfilling her mother’s advice to always fight for justice and equality.