The Race for California's Climate Champion
Introduction
After Kamala Harris’ exit from the governor's race in California, the question arises - who will step up as the state's climate champion? Harris, known for her strong stance on environmental issues, leaves a void in the race that hasn't been filled yet. Climate change was not a major topic in the early stages of the race, but with Harris' departure, it has become a more pressing issue.
Current State of the Race
Before Harris dropped out, the leading candidates in the race had not made climate change a central part of their platforms. However, with her exit, they are now facing pressure to address this important issue. Some candidates have begun to incorporate climate change into their campaigns, but it remains to be seen how much weight it will be given in the final stretch of the race.
Implications of Harris' Departure
Harris' absence in the race has left a gap for a strong voice on climate change in California. With the state being a leader in environmental policies and facing a range of climate-related challenges, it is crucial for the next governor to prioritize this issue. Harris' departure has brought attention to the need for a strong climate champion in the race, and the candidates will have to step up to fill the void.
About the People Mentioned
Kamala Harris
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, and served as the 49th Vice President of the United States from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden.[1] She made history as the first woman, first Black American, and first South Asian American to hold the office of Vice President.[1][2] Harris began her legal career as a deputy district attorney in Oakland from 1990 to 1998, where she specialized in prosecuting gang violence, drug trafficking, and sexual abuse cases.[1] She rose through the ranks to become District Attorney of Oakland in 2004, where she became a national leader in LGBTQ+ rights and established innovative programs, including one that provided first-time drug offenders opportunities to earn high school diplomas and find employment—a program designated as a national model by the U.S. Department of Justice.[2][4] In 2010, Harris was elected Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman and first Black American to hold that position.[1] She served in this role until 2017, when she was elected to the U.S. Senate, becoming only the second Black woman ever elected to the Senate.[6] During her Senate tenure, she championed legislation on hunger relief, maternal health care, climate action, and infrastructure while serving on the Judiciary and Intelligence committees.[3] As Vice President, Harris worked on addressing migration from Latin America, protecting voting rights, and preserving access to abortion following the 2022 Supreme Court Dobbs decision.[1] She cast the decisive vote for the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest climate investment in history, and presided over the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.[3][4] Harris visited 36 states and made 17 foreign trips to 21 countries, meeting with over 150 world leaders.[2] On July 21, 2024, Harris announced her presidential campaign after President Biden withdrew from the race.[4] She became the Democratic Party's nominee on August 5, 2024, making history as the first Black woman and first South Asian woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party.[4] She was defeated by Donald Trump in the November 2024 election.
