Both of Kamala’s parents have PhDs. Her mother, born in India, is a biologist who has contributed to cancer research. Her father, born in Jamaica, is a Harvard professor of economics. They divorced when Kamala was seven years old.
Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was also a civil rights activist, taking Kamala along to events as early as age seven.
Harris is Baptist. Her husband is Jewish.
She and her husband attorney Doug Emhoff had a net worth of $5.8 million in 2019.
Kamala’s first name means “lotus” in Sanskrit and is a nod to her Indian heritage.
Lotus flower
Her family used to call her “Kamala-mala-ding-dong.”
he attended high school in Montreal, Canada, at Westmount High School.
Her first elected office was District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003.
Kamala Harris has written several books, including a memoir titled “The Truths We Hold,” which details her vision for America and provides personal insights into her life.
She loves listening to hip-hop and R&B music, with artists like Tupac Shakur among her favorites.
For a short time in 2001, she dated Montel Williams.
Harris is known for her signature style, often wearing Converse sneakers.
She is an avid cook and often shares recipes, including her famous cornbread dressing.
Her stepchildren call her “Momala” instead of “stepmom.”
Her sister, Maya Harris, is also a prominent lawyer and political analyst.
Kamala Harris enjoys running and often talks about her exercise routine.
Her debate against Mike Pence in 2020 was notable for her memorable retort, “Mr. Vice President, I’m speaking.”
As California Attorney General, she took strong stands on environmental issues and climate change.
She was the first Black woman to be elected District Attorney in California. Harris was the first South Asian-American to serve in the U.S. Senate. She was also the first Black senator from California.
Kamala holds a brown belt in karate.
She enjoyed playing the piano as a child.
Harris attended Howard University, a historically black university in Washington, D.C.
She has visited her maternal grandparents in India and has close ties with her Indian relatives.
She loves Indian and Jamaican cuisine, often cooking traditional dishes from both cultures.
Before her legal career, she worked at a nonprofit that assisted homeless people.
She and her husband, Doug Emhoff, have two rescue dogs.
Kamala says “The Godfather” is one of her favorite movies.
Harris speaks conversational French, having learned it during her time in Montreal.
She is a fan of jazz music and has attended many jazz concerts.
Kamala’s middle name is Devi.
From Wikipedia: “As a senator, Harris advocated for stricter gun control laws, the DREAM Act and federal legalization of cannabis, as well as healthcare and taxation reform.”
The Dream Act is legislation proposed to protect immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. As adults, they are technically illegal alians. They are vulnerable to deportation even though all their friends and family are in the US and life in this country is all they know.
