Voters should be concerned about Kamala Harris’ role in California’s crime crisis.

If the actions of Kamala Harris in California are a preview of her potential impact on the nation, voters should be concerned. 

During her time as state attorney general from 2011 to 2017, Harris chose not to take a stance on two key ballot initiatives in California, but her office did provide favorable descriptions for both, likely contributing to their passage. 

One initiative, Proposition 47, reclassified felony thefts as misdemeanors for items valued at less than $950. This has been linked to a rise in shoplifting incidents, leading retailers to secure their merchandise or close stores due to frequent thefts. 

Another initiative, Proposition 57, allowed for the early parole of certain inmates to reduce prison population, releasing violent offenders back into society after serving only half of their sentences. 

Out and back 

For example, Smiley Martin, involved in a 2022 Sacramento shooting, was released early under Prop. 57 “secret” credits before his arrest. Another case in 2021 saw Aariel Maynor arrested for murder after benefiting from the law. 

While serving as San Francisco district attorney, Harris’ office faced organizational challenges, including a crime lab scandal that almost derailed her attorney general campaign in 2010. Despite knowing of tainted testimony from a lab technician, her office failed to disclose this information to defense attorneys, resulting in the dismissal of numerous drug-related cases. 

During her time as attorney general and US senator, Harris faced allegations of mismanagement, which carried over into her role as vice president. 

Although Harris has portrayed herself as a progressive prosecutor, her record also reflects a tough stance on drug offenses, leading to the incarceration of many marijuana and hashish offenders. 

Shallow thinking 

Harris’ record is marked by contradictions, such as her aggressive stance on truancy as district attorney, followed by a backtrack and expression of regret. This suggests a lack of nuance in her approach to policy and law. 

Throughout her career, Harris has strategically positioned herself as a Democratic “rising star,” using her roles as district attorney and attorney general as stepping stones in her political ascent. 

While she has tried to distance herself from her past as a prosecutor, Harris has still leveraged her prosecutorial background to criticize Donald Trump and gain political advantage. 

Overall, Harris’ political ideology, known as “Harris-ism,” may not align with the best interests of the country. 

Kerry Jackson is the William Clement Fellow in California Reform at the Pacific Research Institute.