Kamala Devi Harris was born in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents—her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was an Indian-born cancer researcher, and her father, Donald Harris, was a Jamaican-born economist. She attended Howard University and later earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings.
Harris began her political career as a prosecutor, serving as the District Attorney of San Francisco before becoming California's Attorney General. In 2017, she was elected to the U.S. Senate, where she gained national attention for her sharp questioning in congressional hearings.
Harris served as vice president under President Joe Biden from 2021 to 2025. As a strong opponent of former President Donald Trump, she frequently criticized his policies on immigration, healthcare, and civil rights. During the 2020 campaign, she played a crucial role in countering Trump's attacks on Biden, particularly on issues related to racial justice and the COVID-19 response. Her debate performance against then-Vice President Mike Pence was widely praised, reinforcing her ability to take on the Republican opposition.
Throughout her tenure as vice president, Harris advocated for progressive policies, including expanding voting rights, addressing climate change, and reforming the criminal justice system. Her leadership during key moments, such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan and efforts to codify abortion rights, solidified her role as a prominent Democratic figure.
Despite facing political challenges, Harris remained a vocal critic of Trump and the Republican Party's policies, positioning herself as a strong contender in any future political showdown against him or his allies.