Kamala Harris’ past record as San Francisco District Attorney and California Attorney General is facing scrutiny as she runs for president, experts say.
Critics are pointing to a controversial 2014 California law, Proposition 47, which lessened penalties for various crimes, making theft of items under $950 a misdemeanor. This change has been blamed for an increase in crime across the state.
Some of Harris’ liberal supporters are even upset with her support of this law, as it has made communities less safe. The law has been criticized for freeing criminals who should have been incarcerated and reclassifying felonies as misdemeanors.
Harris’ endorsement of Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón has also drawn criticism, as his tenure has been marked by disorder and recall campaigns. Before becoming California Attorney General, Harris served as San Francisco’s District Attorney, where she had a tougher stance on crime.
Despite her past reputation as a prosecutorial hawk, Harris has been opposed to the death penalty. However, her decision not to seek the death penalty in a case where a police officer was killed drew criticism from some, including Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
As Harris faces potential backlash for her past positions on crime and prosecution, experts believe she may need to adjust her tone once again, especially if she faces off against former President Donald Trump in the general election. With criticism coming from both the left and the right, Harris may need to navigate her prosecutorial record carefully during her presidential campaign.
