As the U.S. approaches the 2024 presidential election, Kamala Harris, currently serving as Vice President, steps into the spotlight as the Democratic candidate aiming to become the nation’s first female president. At 60 years old, Harris has already broken multiple barriers, becoming the first woman, the first African-American, and the first Asian-American to hold the office of Vice President. Here’s an in-depth look at Kamala Harris’s life, family, and inspiring career journey.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kamala Devi Harris |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1964 |
| Age | 60 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, United States |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Parents | Shyamala Gopalan (Mother), Donald J. Harris (Father) |
| Siblings | Maya Harris (Younger sister) |
| Ethnicity | African-American, Indian-American |
| Education | Howard University (B.A. in Political Science); University of California, Hastings College of Law |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Doug Emhoff (Married in 2014) |
| Children | Stepchildren: Ella Emhoff and Cole Emhoff |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Political Party | Democratic Party |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $7 million as of 2024 |
| Profession | Lawyer, Politician |
| Notable Positions | Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator, California Attorney General |
| Hobbies | Cooking, reading, fitness |
| Interests | Social justice, public policy, equality issues |
| Likes | Indian and Caribbean food, jazz music |
| Dislikes | Injustice, inequality |
| Favorite Actor | Sidney Poitier |
| Favorite Authors | Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou |
| Favorite TV Show | “Columbo” |
| Social Media Accounts | Twitter: @KamalaHarris, Instagram: @kamalaharris |
| Habits | Early riser, enjoys morning runs |
| Role Models | Shirley Chisholm, her mother Shyamala Gopalan |
| Personal Traits | Persistent, driven, empathetic |
| Favorite Quotes | “My mother would look at me and she’d say, ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you’re not the last.'” |
Early Life and Family Background
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. Her parents, Shyamala Gopalan and Donald J. Harris, were both immigrants who came to the United States to pursue higher education. Shyamala, a biologist from India, and Donald, an economist from Jamaica, shared a passion for learning and social justice. Kamala and her younger sister Maya spent part of their childhood in Berkeley, California, surrounded by a community of activists who helped shape her understanding of social issues from an early age.
Following her parents’ divorce, Kamala’s mother moved the family to Montreal, Canada, where Shyamala worked as a cancer researcher. Kamala later returned to the United States to attend Howard University, a historically Black college in Washington, D.C., and subsequently earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings.
A Pioneering Legal and Political Career
Kamala Harris’s career has been marked by determination and an unwavering commitment to justice. She began as a deputy district attorney in Alameda County, California, where she focused on prosecuting cases related to violent crimes and child abuse. In 2003, she made history by becoming San Francisco’s first female and first African-American District Attorney. She championed reforms, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment, especially for low-level offenders.
Her work as District Attorney gained her widespread recognition, and she was elected as California’s Attorney General in 2010, serving as the state’s first female and first African-American Attorney General. Her role as Attorney General further highlighted her dedication to issues like consumer protection, environmental justice, and marriage equality. Kamala’s commitment to advocating for the people caught the eye of national figures, and in 2017, she made her way to the U.S. Senate, representing California.
Kamala Harris as Vice President and Presidential Candidate
In 2020, Joe Biden selected Kamala as his running mate, making her the first female Vice President and the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history. Together, they ran on a platform focusing on healthcare, economic recovery, and social equality. Kamala’s work in the Biden administration has brought attention to topics ranging from public health to immigration reform, consistently supporting policies that impact the average American family.
Now, Kamala has set her sights on the White House as the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate. Running against Republican candidate Donald Trump, she aims to break another glass ceiling and become the first female President of the United States. With her campaign gaining momentum, her focus remains on creating policies that address climate change, improve healthcare access, and promote equality and justice.
Personal Life: Kamala’s Family and Role as a Stepmom
Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer, in 2014. The two met on a blind date set up by mutual friends, and their relationship quickly blossomed. Doug, who was initially based in Los Angeles, transitioned his career to support Kamala’s political journey. Today, he serves as the Second Gentleman of the United States and has become a vocal advocate for small businesses and equal rights.
Kamala is also a loving stepmother to Doug’s two children, Ella and Cole, from his previous marriage to Kerstin Emhoff. She has embraced her role as “Momala,” a nickname given by Ella and Cole, who appeared alongside her at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The close bond she shares with her stepchildren has brought warmth to her public image, showcasing her commitment to family values.
Kamala’s Historic Path to the White House
With the 2024 election approaching, Kamala Harris continues to inspire as a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of women and minorities in politics. Her journey from Oakland to Washington, D.C., reflects a powerful story of ambition, resilience, and dedication to public service. Whether as Vice President or potentially the next President, Kamala Harris’s name is already etched in the history books, representing a new era in American politics.
