Harris's time as district attorney was marked by both successes and controversies. She increased the conviction rate, but also faced criticism for her handling of several high-profile cases. In 2004, she announced that she would not seek the death penalty against the perpetrator of a police officer's killing, infuriating police officers and other elected officials. She also drew criticism from the left when she instituted a policy punishing parents of truant children with fines and possible jail time. Her office was also plunged into scandal after accusations that she had violated the rights of defendants by covering up the misconduct of a police lab technician. Harris later said she wasn't aware of the problems but took responsibility as head of the office.

Despite these controversies, Harris was elected California attorney general in 2010. In this role, she continued to focus on criminal justice reform, and she also took on a number of high-profile cases, including the prosecution of the Bank of America for its role in the foreclosure crisis. Harris's time as attorney general solidified her reputation as a tough prosecutor and a rising star in the Democratic Party.

In 2016, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate. In the Senate, she has continued to focus on criminal justice reform, and she has also been a vocal critic of President Trump. Harris is considered a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020.