Kamala Harris was inaugurated as the Attorney General of California, becoming the first woman, the first African American, and the first South Asian American to hold the office.

As Attorney General, Harris played a key role in negotiating a landmark settlement with major banks over their role in the mortgage crisis. The settlement provided billions of dollars in relief to California homeowners.

Harris prioritized consumer protection during her time as Attorney General, pursuing legal action against companies engaged in deceptive or unfair business practices.

Harris implemented an open data initiative to increase transparency and accountability within the California Department of Justice. This initiative made data on crime, arrests, and other law enforcement activities publicly available.

As Attorney General, Harris defended California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage, until the U.S. Supreme Court ultimately struck it down. This case presented a complex legal and political challenge, requiring her to balance her personal beliefs with her duty to uphold the law.

Harris continued her focus on criminal justice reform as Attorney General, advocating for changes to reduce recidivism and address racial disparities in the system.