US Vice President Kamala Harris while addressing supporters at Howard University appeared emotional at her loss, but expressed hope for the betterment of the country. Harris expressed hope and said that the light of the US’s promise would burn bright as long as people kept fighting.

Kamala Harris is a leading American politician and attorney, who is currently the Vice President of the United States. In her career, she has made history by being the first woman, the first African American, and the first Asian American to hold this office.
Kamala Harris Early Life and Education
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California. She was born to immigrant parents. Her father, Donald Harris, is a Jamaican economist, and her mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris, was an Indian cancer researcher. Harris was raised by her mother and sister, Maya, after her parents’ divorce in 1971. The family went to a Baptist church and a Hindu temple, making her incredibly culturally rich, with strong roots in her African American and South Asian heritage.
Harris attended Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and economics. In 1989, she graduated from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, with a law degree.

Kamala Harris Career
Harris began her career as a deputy district attorney between 1990 and 1998 in Alameda County, where she is said to have taken a tough stance on crime. In 2003, she became San Francisco’s first female and African American District Attorney. During her tenure, she introduced progressive reforms to reduce recidivism and provide an opportunity for rehabilitation.
In 2010, Kamala Harris was elected the first woman and the first person of colour to ever serve as Attorney General of California. In 2014, she won re-election and, focusing on consumer protection, marriage equality, and environmental justice, continued to bring the change she envisioned.
Political Career
Kamala Harris’s political ascendency continued as she won a seat in the U.S. Senate from California in 2016. She became the first South Asian American senator and only the second African American woman to ever serve in the Senate.
Her Senate service included fighting for immigration reform, health care improvement, and criminal justice reform. She made national headlines when she used her sharp questions to expose Trump administration officials during several high-profile hearings.

Harris declared her candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination in January 2019 but suspended her bid in December of the same year citing low survey ratings. On August 11, however, she was selected by Joe Biden as his running mate for president. The historic nomination made her the first woman of South Asian and African American descent to be nominated for the major party ticket.
Kamala Harris Vice Presidency
During his campaign, Harris and Joe Biden emerged victorious in an election that took place on November 3, 2020. Harris became the U.S. history’s highest-ranking official after being sworn in as vice president on January 20, 2021; her priority issues include helping to spur economic recovery stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and advocating for and supporting voting rights.
Kamala Harris Personal Life
Kamala Harris married Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer, on August 22, 2014. This marriage marked her first and Emhoff’s second; he has two children from his previous marriage, Ella and Cole, who affectionately call Harris “Momala.” The family dynamic is characterized by a strong co-parenting relationship with Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff.
In July 2024, Harris declared her candidacy for the presidency after Biden had withdrawn from the presidential re-election race due to health issues.
Kamala Harris’s journey symbolizes a commitment to public service as well as breaking the barriers within American politics. Her diverse background coupled with legal expertise has always led her to shape approaches of governance and advocacy in matters of marginalized communities during her life.
‘My heart is full today’: Harris
US Vice President Kamala Harris while addressing supporters at Howard University on November 6 appeared emotional at her loss, but expressed hope for the betterment of the country.
Harris expressed hope and said that the light of the US’s promise would burn bright as long as people kept fighting.
“My heart is full today, full of gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, full of love for our country, and full of resolve. The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for. But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting,” she said.
Harris thanked her husband, Douglas Emhoff, Second Gentleman of the United States, US President Joe Biden and his family, her running mate Tim Walz and the entire team for their support.
“To my beloved Doug and our family, I love you so very much. To President Biden and Dr Biden, thank you for your faith and support. To Governor Walz and the Walz family, I know your service to our nation will continue. And to my extraordinary team, to the volunteers who gave so much of themselves, to the poll workers and the local election officials. I thank you all,” she said.
Choking back her tears, Harris said that she was proud of the way the team ran for the race over the course of the campaign period. She said that the campaign was a reminder of the fact that there was a lot more in common among them than what separated them.
“I am so proud of the race we ran and the way we ran it. Over the 107 days of this campaign, we have been intentional about building community and building coalitions, bringing people together from every walk of life and background, by the love of country, with enthusiasm and joy in our fight for America’s future. And we did it with the knowledge that we all have so much more in common than what separates us. Now, I know folks are feeling and experiencing a range of emotions right now. I get it. But we must accept the results of this election,” she said.
Harris added that she spoke to President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him on his win. She added that what distinguishes a democracy from tyranny or monarchy is to accept the election result.

Trump’s U.S. election win: How world leaders reacted
World leaders congratulated Republican Donald Trump on Wednesday after he won the U.S. presidential election, capping a stunning political comeback four years after he left the White House.
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE
“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer,” Zelenskiy said on X.

BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL
“Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
ANTONIO GUTERRES, U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL
“I congratulate President-elect Donald J. Trump and I reaffirm my belief that the cooperation between the United States and the United Nations is an essential pillar of international relations. The United Nations stands ready to work constructively with the incoming administration to address the dramatic challenges our world is facing.”
NARENDRA MODI, PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA
“Heartiest congratulations my friend…on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together, let’s work for the betterment of our people and to promote global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi said on X.
EMMANUEL MACRON, PRESIDENT OF FRANCE
“Congratulations, President Donald Trump. Ready to work together just as we knew how to do during four years. With your convictions and with mine. With respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity,” Macron wrote on X.
SHIGERU ISHIBA, PRIME MINISTER OF JAPAN
“I would like to offer my sincere congratulations on Mr. Trump’s victory, and also pay my respects to the democratic choice of the American people,” he told reporters.”From now on, I would like to work closely with Mr. Trump, who will become the next president, to bring the Japan-U.S. alliance and Japan-U.S. relations to a higher level. We are going to make efforts to quickly establish a point of contact with Mr. Trump in the future.”
MAO NING, CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON
“Our policy towards the U.S. is consistent. We will continue to view and handle China-U.S. relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful co-existence and win-win cooperation.”
JUSTIN TRUDEAU, PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA
“Congratulations to Donald Trump on being elected President of the United States. The friendship between Canada and the U.S. is the envy of the world.
“I know President Trump and I will work together to create more opportunity, prosperity, and security for both of our nations.”
TAYYIP ERDOGAN, PRESIDENT OF TURKEY
“I congratulate my friend Donald Trump, who was elected U.S. President once again after a big fight in the presidential elections in the United States of America. In this new era that will start with the choice of the American people, I hope for Turkish-American ties to strengthen, for regional and global crises and wars, primarily the Palestine issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, to end; I believe more effort will be exerted for a fairer world.”
OLAF SCHOLZ, GERMAN CHANCELLOR
“I congratulate Donald Trump on his election as US President. Germany and the U.S. have for a long time successfully worked together to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens,” he said on X.
SAUDI ARABIA
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulate Mr. Donald J. Trump on his victory in the presidential elections in the United States of America, the Saudi state news agency posted on X.
MAHMOUD ABBAS, PRESIDENT OF PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY
“We will remain steadfast over our commitment to peace, we are confident that the US under your leadership would support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.”
KEIR STARMER, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER
“Congratulations President-elect Trump on your historic election victory. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead. As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy and enterprise.”

MARK RUTTE, SECRETARY-GENERAL OF NATO
“I just congratulated Donald Trump on his election as President of the United States. His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO”, he said in a post on X.
LAI CHING-TE, PRESIDENT OF TAIWAN, ON X
“Sincere congratulations to President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your victory. I’m confident that the longstanding #Taiwan-#US partnership, built on shared values & interests, will continue to serve as a cornerstone for regional stability & lead to greater prosperity for us all.”
GIORGIA MELONI, PRIME MINISTER OF ITALY
In a post on X Meloni offered her “most sincere congratulations” to Trump, and said Italy and the United States had an “unshakeable alliance”. “It is a strategic bond, which I am certain we will now strengthen even further,” she said.
PEDRO SANCHEZ, SPANISH PRIME MINISTER
“Congratulations @realDonaldTrump on your victory and your election as 47th President of the US. We will work on our strategic bilateral relations and on a strong transatlantic partnership”, Sanchez said on X.
URSULA VON DER LEYEN, EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT
“I warmly congratulate Donald J. Trump on his election as the 47th President of the United States of America. I look forward to working with President Trump again to advance a strong transatlantic agenda.
“Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens. Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship.”
KING ABDULLAH II OF JORDAN
“Warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on winning the US presidential election. Looking forward to working with you again to bolster Jordan’s longstanding partnership with the United States, in service of regional and global peace and stability for all.”
LUIZ INACIO LULA DA SILVA, PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL
“My congratulations to President Donald Trump on his electoral victory and return to the presidency of the United States. “Democracy is the voice of the people and it must always be respected. The world needs dialogue and joint work to have more peace, development and prosperity. I wish the new government luck and success.”
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA, PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AFRICA
“I look forward to continuing the close and mutually beneficial partnership between our two nations across all domains of our cooperation.
“In the global arena, we look forward to our Presidency of the G20 in 2025, where we will work closely with the US who will succeed us in the G20 Presidency in 2026.”
PANAMA PRESIDENT JOSE RAUL MULINO
“I congratulate @realDonaldTrump on his victory in the US presidential election and the people of the United States for strengthening democracy. We will continue to work together on migration, security and international trade.”
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA
“The election of the President of the United States is always an important moment for the world, for our region and for Australia.
“The United States has long played a leadership role in the stability and security of the Indo-Pacific. Australia will strive to strengthen the co-operation between our two nations in the region.”
FERDINAND MARCOS JR, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
“President Trump has won, and the American people triumphed, and I congratulate them for their victory in an exercise which showed the world the strength of American values.
“I have personally met President Trump as a young man, so I know that his robust leadership will result in a better future for all of us.” Source: Reuters