By: Anna Gibson

After only months of Trump in office, Democrats and Republicans (yes, that was shade) alike are already looking for potential candidates to represent their party in the 2020 presidential election. For Democrats, that list includes Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and newcomer Kamala Harris.

The California Junior Senator is a graduate from Howard University and received her law degree from The University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Kamala Harris began her meteoric rise in politics as the District Attorney of the city and county of San Francisco in 2003. After 2 terms in that position, she won the first of 2 terms as the Attorney General of California in 2010, becoming the first African-American (and the first Indian American) to hold the position. This past November the California native was voted into the US Senate, only the second black woman to hold the position of US senator.

Kamala Harris has accomplished many things during her time on the political stage. Here's what you need to know:

• Refused to defund the ban on gay marriage, “The Supreme Court has described marriage as a fundamental right 14 times since 1888. The time has come for this right to be afforded to every citizen"
•  Sued For-Profit Corinthian College for misleading students--Refused to seek death penalty against a cop killer--Created 'Back on Track' program which reduced recidivism—Started program for convicted first time drug dealers to complete their high school education in order to find work
• She is currently working with Republican Senator Rand Paul to reform the bail industry 

Sen. Harris has been quietly working behind the scenes to gain support from top political officials. She has been speaking to crucial national constituencies, building key relationship with national reporters, and supporting fellow Senators through fundraising. Recently, Sen. Harris co-sponsored Bernie Sanders proposed single-payer health care bill. The public seal of approval for rather progressive legislation, is putting Harris into consideration to have support from the more radically-progressive side of the left. This trait seems to be one of increasing importance, following Bernie Sanders’ unpredicted popularity and success.

Still, with the dominance of the Trump-era, voters are searching for a bold, unique choice. Harris faces criticism a little similar to last year’s Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton. Some question how progressive she truly is – her time in the Hamptons with Democratic donors certainly raised eyebrows about her ties elitism. Her decision to not legally hold Steve Mnuchin legally accountable for breaking state disclosure laws is also under scrutiny – voters want someone they can have faith in as a true progressive to hold big corporations and corrupt politicians accountable.

She has been gaining an intense amount of popularity yet, as speculation for a 2020 run grows, she continues to dismiss the rumors. Sen. Harris is only in her first term, but we can’t help but remember when a senator from Illinois (we’re pointing at you, Barack) in his first term announced his intention to run for president of the United States in 2007. Many are looking forward to see the steady rise of the California Senator and hope to see her name on a voting ballot in 2020.