Who is Kamala Harris? 9 Facts You Need to Know About the US Vice-President

In a historical first, Kamala Harris has been elected as the first female Vice-President of the United States. What more, she is also the first person of colour to hold this office. 

So exactly is Kamala Harris? Here are a few facts you need to know about the woman OTM who has everyone talking. 

1. When she was elected into the US Senate in 2016, Kamala Harris became the second Black woman —and the first ever Indian woman— to hold such a role. 
2. The California senator is of Indian-Jamaican heritage. Her mother Shyamala Gopalan was a cancer researcher from India, and her father Donald Harris is an economist from Jamaica.
3. She’s a lawyer by profession. In 2011, Harris became Attorney General of California, becoming both the first woman and person of colour ever to serve in that role.
4. She initially ran for president, announcing her bid in early 2019, but withdrew after just one month due to a lack of funds.
5. She is pro-same-sex marriage. As Attorney General of California, Kamala Harris took a stand for marriage equality, helping to preserve the same-sex marriage across the state.
6. She’s a champion of women’s rights. In an interview with Cosmo US Kamala Harris explained: "One of the reasons I’m running for president is because I have a long-standing commitment to fighting for women’s rights.”
7. Barack Obama is a fan, and had been one for long! The former US President was quoted describing Kamala as "brilliant," "dedicated" and "tough” in 2013. On learning that she'd be Joe Biden's running mate, he has expressed his support. 
8. She is married to Douglas Emhoff, a lawyer who could become the first Second Gentleman if the Biden-Harris campaign is elected to the White House. 

   

9. She has a solid celebrity endorsement. Celebrities including Taylor Swift, Mindy Kaling, Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Biel and more have posted on social media in support of Joe Biden's decision to select Kamala Harris as his running mate.

Twitter Loading...