Kamala Harris speaks during an economic forum in Las Vegas in April 2019. The US senator from California is now the vice president of the United States.
In photos: Vice President Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris speaks during an economic forum in Las Vegas in April 2019. The US senator from California is now the vice president of the United States.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Updated 6:34 PM EST, Wed January 20, 2021

Kamala Harris, a US senator from California who previously served as the state's attorney general, became the first female vice president of the United States when she was sworn into office in January 2021.

She is also the nation's first Black and South Asian vice president.

"While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last," Harris said in her first speech to the nation as vice president-elect.

Harris launched her own presidential campaign in January 2019 and promised to be a fighter "for the people." She ended her campaign in December, telling her supporters that the campaign didn't have the financial resources to continue.

During her campaign, Harris' allies believed that her life's work as a prosecutor would help set her apart from a crowded Democratic field. Her signs carried her campaign theme "Kamala Harris for the people" — the words that she spoke each time she rose in the courtroom as a prosecutor.

A young Harris is seen with her mother, Shyamala, in this photo that was posted on Harris' Facebook page in March 2017. "My mother was born in India and came to the United States to study at UC Berkeley, where she eventually became an endocrinologist and breast-cancer researcher," <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KamalaHarris/photos/a.391094312922/10155496671372923/?type=3&theater" target="_blank" target="_blank">Harris wrote.</a> "She, and so many other strong women in my life, showed me the importance of community involvement and public service."
A young Harris is seen with her mother, Shyamala, in this photo that was posted on Harris' Facebook page in March 2017. "My mother was born in India and came to the United States to study at UC Berkeley, where she eventually became an endocrinologist and breast-cancer researcher," Harris wrote. "She, and so many other strong women in my life, showed me the importance of community involvement and public service."
From Kamala Harris/Facebook
Harris and her younger sister, Maya, pose for a Christmas photo in 1968.
Harris and her younger sister, Maya, pose for a Christmas photo in 1968.
Courtesy Kamala Harris
Harris rides a carousel in this old photo <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/3g64_Qrv3_/" target="_blank" target="_blank">she posted to social media in 2015.</a> Her name, Kamala, comes from the Sanskrit word for the lotus flower. Harris is the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants and grew up attending both a Baptist church and a Hindu temple.
Harris rides a carousel in this old photo she posted to social media in 2015. Her name, Kamala, comes from the Sanskrit word for the lotus flower. Harris is the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants and grew up attending both a Baptist church and a Hindu temple.
From Kamala Harris/Facebook
Harris tweeted this photo of her as a child after referencing it during a Democratic debate in June 2019. During the debate, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2019/06/28/politics/biden-vs-harris-democratic-debate/index.html" target="_blank">she confronted Joe Biden</a> over his opposition many years ago to the federal government mandating busing to integrate schools. "There was a little girl in California who was bussed to school," <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris/status/1144427976609734658" target="_blank" target="_blank">she tweeted.</a> "That little girl was me."
Harris tweeted this photo of her as a child after referencing it during a Democratic debate in June 2019. During the debate, she confronted Joe Biden over his opposition many years ago to the federal government mandating busing to integrate schools. "There was a little girl in California who was bussed to school," she tweeted. "That little girl was me."
From Kamala Harris/Twitter
Harris got her bachelor's degree from Howard University in Washington, DC.
Harris got her bachelor's degree from Howard University in Washington, DC.
From Kamala Harris/Facebook
Harris graduates from law school in 1989. "My first grade teacher, Mrs. Wilson (left), came to cheer me on," Harris said. "My mom was pretty proud, too."
Harris graduates from law school in 1989. "My first grade teacher, Mrs. Wilson (left), came to cheer me on," Harris said. "My mom was pretty proud, too."
From Kamala Harris/Facebook
Harris is joined by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, left, and the Rev. Cecil Williams, center, for a San Francisco march celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2004. Harris was the city's district attorney from 2004 to 2011.
Harris is joined by San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, left, and the Rev. Cecil Williams, center, for a San Francisco march celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. in January 2004. Harris was the city's district attorney from 2004 to 2011.
Paul Sakuma/AP
Harris speaks to supporters before a "No on K" news conference in October 2008. The San Francisco ballot measure Proposition K sought to stop enforcing laws against prostitution. It was voted down on election day.
Harris speaks to supporters before a "No on K" news conference in October 2008. The San Francisco ballot measure Proposition K sought to stop enforcing laws against prostitution. It was voted down on election day.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Harris looks over seized guns following a news conference in Sacramento, California, in June 2011. Harris became California's attorney general in January 2011 and held that office until 2017. She was the first African-American, the first woman and the first Asian-American to become California's attorney general.
Harris looks over seized guns following a news conference in Sacramento, California, in June 2011. Harris became California's attorney general in January 2011 and held that office until 2017. She was the first African-American, the first woman and the first Asian-American to become California's attorney general.
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Harris attends the Democratic Party's state convention in February 2012.
Harris attends the Democratic Party's state convention in February 2012.
Sandy Huffaker/Corbis/Getty Images
Harris watches California Gov. Jerry Brown sign copies of the California Homeowner Bill of Rights in July 2012.
Harris watches California Gov. Jerry Brown sign copies of the California Homeowner Bill of Rights in July 2012.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Harris speaks on the second night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Harris speaks on the second night of the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Harry E. Walker/MCT/Getty Images
In May 2013, Harris and California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow place a wreath honoring Highway Patrol officers who were killed in the line of duty.
In May 2013, Harris and California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow place a wreath honoring Highway Patrol officers who were killed in the line of duty.
Rich Pedroncelli/AP
Harris officiates the wedding of Kris Perry, left, and Sandy Stier in June 2013. Perry and Stier were married after a federal appeals court cleared the way for California to immediately resume issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Harris officiates the wedding of Kris Perry, left, and Sandy Stier in June 2013. Perry and Stier were married after a federal appeals court cleared the way for California to immediately resume issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Jeff Chiu/AP
Harris is flanked by her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and her sister, Maya. Next to Maya Harris is Maya's daughter, Meena, and Maya's husband, Tony West.
Harris is flanked by her husband, Douglas Emhoff, and her sister, Maya. Next to Maya Harris is Maya's daughter, Meena, and Maya's husband, Tony West.
From Kamala Harris/Twitter
Harris receives a gift from supporters in January 2015, after she announced plans to run for the US Senate.
Harris receives a gift from supporters in January 2015, after she announced plans to run for the US Senate.
Sandy Huffaker/Corbis/Getty Images
Harris speaks during a news conference in February 2015.
Harris speaks during a news conference in February 2015.
Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Harris, as a new member of the Senate, participates in a re-enacted swearing-in with Vice President Joe Biden in January 2017. She is the first Indian-American and the second African-American woman to serve as a US senator.
Harris, as a new member of the Senate, participates in a re-enacted swearing-in with Vice President Joe Biden in January 2017. She is the first Indian-American and the second African-American woman to serve as a US senator.
Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images
Harris talks with former US Sen. Bob Dole on Capitol Hill in January 2017.
Harris talks with former US Sen. Bob Dole on Capitol Hill in January 2017.
Tom Williams/Getty Images
Harris attends the Women's March on Washington in January 2017.
Harris attends the Women's March on Washington in January 2017.
Noam Galai/WireImage/Getty Images
Harris speaks to Fatima and Yuleni Avelica, whose father was deported, before a news conference on Capitol Hill in March 2017.
Harris speaks to Fatima and Yuleni Avelica, whose father was deported, before a news conference on Capitol Hill in March 2017.
Zach Gibson/Getty Images
Harris greets a crowd at an event in Richmond, Virginia, in October 2017.
Harris greets a crowd at an event in Richmond, Virginia, in October 2017.
Julia Rendleman/Getty Images
In November 2017, Harris was among the lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee grilling Silicon Valley giants over the role that their platforms inadvertently played in Russia's meddling in US politics.
In November 2017, Harris was among the lawmakers on the Senate Intelligence Committee grilling Silicon Valley giants over the role that their platforms inadvertently played in Russia's meddling in US politics.
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Harris and her husband attend a Golden State Warriors basketball game in May 2018.
Harris and her husband attend a Golden State Warriors basketball game in May 2018.
From Kamala Harris/Facebook
Harris attends a rally with, from left, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom, and Newsom's wife, Jennifer, in May 2018. Newsom won the election in November.
Harris attends a rally with, from left, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom, and Newsom's wife, Jennifer, in May 2018. Newsom won the election in November.
Patrick T. Fallon/Getty Images
Harris speaks with US Sen. Cory Booker during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in September 2018.
Harris speaks with US Sen. Cory Booker during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh in September 2018.
Melina Mara/Getty Images
Harris presses Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing.
Harris presses Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Harris arrives with staff for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2018.
Harris arrives with staff for a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in September 2018.
Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call/AP
Harris reads from her children's book "Superheroes Are Everywhere" during a book signing in Los Angeles in January 2019. She also released a memoir, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey."
Harris reads from her children's book "Superheroes Are Everywhere" during a book signing in Los Angeles in January 2019. She also released a memoir, "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey."
Faye Sadou/MediaPunch/AP
A person holds a Harris poster during the Women's March in Los Angeles in January 2019.
A person holds a Harris poster during the Women's March in Los Angeles in January 2019.
Barbara Davidson/Getty Images
Harris holds her first presidential campaign rally in January 2019. She had announced her presidential bid a week earlier on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Harris holds her first presidential campaign rally in January 2019. She had announced her presidential bid a week earlier on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Elijah Nouvelage/Reuters
Harris speaks during her CNN town-hall event, which was moderated by Jake Tapper in Iowa in January 2019.
Harris speaks during her CNN town-hall event, which was moderated by Jake Tapper in Iowa in January 2019.
Edward M. Pioroda/CNN
Media members photograph Harris and the Rev. Al Sharpton as they have lunch at Sylvia's Restaurant in New York in February 2019.
Media members photograph Harris and the Rev. Al Sharpton as they have lunch at Sylvia's Restaurant in New York in February 2019.
Bebeto Matthews/Pool/Getty Images
Harris confronts former Vice President Joe Biden, left, during the first Democratic debates in June 2019. Harris <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/democratic-debate-june-27-2019/h_b381d219b33e3de6757b4feb63036316" target="_blank">went after Biden</a> over his early-career opposition to federally mandated busing.
Harris confronts former Vice President Joe Biden, left, during the first Democratic debates in June 2019. Harris went after Biden over his early-career opposition to federally mandated busing.
Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Harris rides her campaign bus in Iowa in August 2019.
Harris rides her campaign bus in Iowa in August 2019.
Maddie McGarvey/The New York Times/Redux
Harris and Biden greet each other at a Detroit high school as they attend a "Get Out the Vote" event in March 2020. Harris had dropped out of the presidential race a few months earlier.
Harris and Biden greet each other at a Detroit high school as they attend a "Get Out the Vote" event in March 2020. Harris had dropped out of the presidential race a few months earlier.
Adam Schultz/Biden for President
Harris joins fellow Democrats from the House and Senate as they kneel in silence to honor George Floyd at the US Capitol in June 2020.
Harris joins fellow Democrats from the House and Senate as they kneel in silence to honor George Floyd at the US Capitol in June 2020.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Biden calls Harris from his Delaware home to inform her that she was his choice for vice president.
Biden calls Harris from his Delaware home to inform her that she was his choice for vice president.
Adam Schultz/Biden for President
Harris and Biden sign paperwork to officially get on the ballot in all 50 states.
Harris and Biden sign paperwork to officially get on the ballot in all 50 states.
Adam Schultz/Biden for President
Harris delivers a speech as she formally accepts the nomination at the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/08/20/politics/gallery/democratic-convention-2020/index.html" target="_blank">Democratic National Convention.</a> "Let's fight with conviction," Harris said in her speech. "Let's fight with hope. Let's fight with confidence in ourselves and a commitment to each other. To the America we know is possible. The America we love."
Harris delivers a speech as she formally accepts the nomination at the Democratic National Convention. "Let's fight with conviction," Harris said in her speech. "Let's fight with hope. Let's fight with confidence in ourselves and a commitment to each other. To the America we know is possible. The America we love."
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Biden and Harris appear before supporters at the end of the Democratic National Convention.
Biden and Harris appear before supporters at the end of the Democratic National Convention.
Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg/Getty Images
Harris addresses Vice President Mike Pence during the <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2020/10/07/politics/gallery/2020-vice-presidential-debate/index.html" target="_blank">vice presidential debate</a> in October 2020.
Harris addresses Vice President Mike Pence during the vice presidential debate in October 2020.
Morry Gash/Pool/Getty Images
Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, tweeted this photo of him and Harris that was taken in November 2020, just after she and Biden were projected to win the election. "So proud of you," Emhoff wrote.
Harris' husband, Doug Emhoff, tweeted this photo of him and Harris that was taken in November 2020, just after she and Biden were projected to win the election. "So proud of you," Emhoff wrote.
From Doug Emhoff/Twitter
Harris arrives on stage to give a victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware.
Harris arrives on stage to give a victory speech in Wilmington, Delaware.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Biden and Harris greet each other on the stage where they delivered their victory speeches.
Biden and Harris greet each other on the stage where they delivered their victory speeches.
Erin Schaff/The New York Times/Redux
<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2021/01/19/politics/gallery/joe-biden-inauguration-photos/index.html" target="_blank">Harris is sworn in as vice president </a>as her husband holds the Bible in January 2021. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple <a href="https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/biden-harris-inauguration-day-2021/h_ce6f777c3f47c0f7d262b4ae26c0d62f" target="_blank">as a nod to Shirley Chisholm,</a> the first African-American woman to run for president.
Harris is sworn in as vice president as her husband holds the Bible in January 2021. Harris was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She wore the color purple as a nod to Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman to run for president.
Andrew Harnik/Pool/AP
Harris walks with her family to the White House on the final stretch of an abbreviated inaugural parade.
Harris walks with her family to the White House on the final stretch of an abbreviated inaugural parade.
Maddie McGarvey for CNN