Kamala Harris’ personal life is rich with intriguing connections, milestones, and a modern take on what family means in today’s world. Let’s dive into the key figures and details surrounding her relationships, blended family, and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
Who Is Kamala Harris’ Husband, Doug Emhoff?
Doug Emhoff, Kamala Harris’ husband, is a man with many hats. Born on October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, he grew up in Matawan, New Jersey, before moving to Los Angeles with his family as a teenager. With a law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law, Doug built a legal career specializing in media, entertainment, and intellectual property cases.
Over the years, he represented high-profile clients, including the pharmaceutical giant Merck and Taco Bell’s former ad agency during the iconic chihuahua mascot dispute. Before Kamala became Vice President, Doug was earning an impressive $1.2 million annually as a partner at the firm DLA Piper. When Kamala stepped into her role as Vice President in 2021, Doug transitioned out of his private practice to support her career fully. Now teaching at Georgetown University Law Center, Doug continues to blend his legal expertise with advocacy, focusing on social justice issues like gender equity and fighting antisemitism.
Kamala Harris Has Two Stepchildren From Doug Emhoff
Doug also happens to be Kamala’s biggest cheerleader. The two met in 2013 on a blind date set up by Kamala’s best friend, Chrisette Hudlin. After hitting it off immediately, Doug proposed a list of potential dates for their next meetings—a move that won Kamala over. They married on August 22, 2014, in a small ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse, officiated by Kamala’s sister, Maya Harris. For Doug, the marriage marked the start of a new chapter; for Kamala, it was her first.
Doug came into the relationship with two children, Cole and Ella, from his previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff. Cole, born in 1994 and named after jazz legend John Coltrane, is now 30 years old and works in the entertainment industry. A graduate of Colorado College with a degree in psychology, he’s worked on films like Minari and Women Talking.
In October 2023, Cole married Greenley Littlejohn in Los Angeles, with Kamala officiating the ceremony—a personal and symbolic gesture that reflects the close bonds within their blended family. Kamala described the event as “an emotional moment” that brought the family even closer together.
Ella Emhoff, Doug’s younger child, was born in 1999 and named after the jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald. At 25, she’s already carving out her own identity as a model and designer. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Ella has turned heads in the fashion industry, signing with IMG Models in 2021 and making her debut at New York Fashion Week. Her work blends candy-colored, childlike aesthetics with a touch of rebellion, embodying a playful yet thoughtful approach to art and fashion.
Kamala’s stepdaughter Ella’s impact extends beyond the runway; she also knits and teaches others her craft through her Soft Hands Knitting Club in New York City. In 2022, she was recognized as one of Harper’s Bazaar’s icons of the year.
Cole and Ella have embraced Kamala as a central figure in their lives, affectionately calling her “Momala.” Kamala (who has no biological kids), in turn, has spoken openly about her deep affection for her stepchildren, crediting them with helping her and Doug create a “big, beautiful, blended family.” Sunday dinners became a cherished ritual for the family, where everyone had their role: Kamala cooked, Doug served as sous-chef, Cole set the table and chose the music, and Ella prepared desserts. Even as life grew busier with Kamala’s career in politics, they transitioned to regular Sunday Zoom calls to stay connected.
The relationship between Kamala and Doug’s ex-wife, Kerstin, is also a testament to their harmonious family dynamic. Kerstin has been a staunch supporter of Kamala, even volunteering for her presidential campaign in 2019. Kamala, in turn, has credited Kerstin with helping to build her strong relationship with Cole and Ella. Their mutual respect showcases how such families can thrive when love and understanding take center stage.
Kamala Harris and Her Husband, Doug Emhoff, Have a Combined Net Worth of $8 Million
Kamala Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff is opening up about their relationship, the campaign, and how he’s preparing to become America’s first-ever Second Gentleman pic.twitter.com/wOixq9vZQe
— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) October 27, 2020
Financially, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff are a powerhouse couple. Together, they boast a net worth of approximately $8 million, largely attributed to their successful careers in law and real estate investments. Kamala, who earns $235,000 annually as Vice President, previously sold properties in Oakland and San Francisco for a combined total of over $1.5 million. Doug, on the other hand, brought his earnings from his law career and his teaching role at Georgetown University into the mix. Though their net worth is modest compared to some political figures, like Donald Trump’s estimated $5.6 billion fortune, it reflects years of hard work and strategic planning.
Doug’s role as Second Gentleman has allowed him to champion causes close to his heart, including gender equity and antisemitism. The first Jewish spouse of a U.S. Vice President, Doug has spoken passionately about his family’s history, sharing how his great-grandparents escaped persecution in Poland over a century ago. He has hosted discussions on combating antisemitism, both in the U.S. and abroad, and has traveled widely to promote the Biden-Harris administration’s policy agenda.
