Who Are the Blended Family Members Behind Kamala Harris’ Charm?

WASHINGTON – Vice President Kamala Harris must quickly reintroduce himself to US voters, who must now judge him as the future commander in chief, rather than Joe Biden’s running mate.

And during the biggest moment of Harris’ career so far — the Democratic convention in Chicago — they’ll also get to know the family members who will be standing beside her, as well as those who helped her get there.

Unlike her rival Donald Trump, Harris has only been married once and is a stepparent.

Who Are the Blended Family Members Behind Kamala Harris’ Charm?

1. Doug Emhoff (Husband)

According to the BBC, Harris met her current husband, Los Angeles entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff, in 2013, while he was serving as California’s attorney general. They married the following year. Since then, Mr. Emhoff, 59, has remained close to his wife as she has risen through the ranks of US politics.

In 2020, when Harris made history as the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as vice president, Mr. Emhoff also made history as the first husband of an American president or vice president, as well as the first Jewish wife of a vice president.

He left his law firm that year to focus full-time on his role as “second gentleman,” a position that has plucked him out of obscurity. He is now known as an enthusiastic supporter of Democratic causes and Harris’ most loyal surrogate on the campaign trail.

2. Cole and Ella Emhoff (Stepchildren)

The vice president’s marriage makes her a stepmother to Cole and Ella, the two children Emhoff had with his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff.

Harris often says that of her many titles, “Momala” — a term coined by Cole and Ella — is the most important. The affection seems to go both ways — Cole and Ella, now 30 and 25, have been vocal supporters of Ms. Harris.

“The world’s greatest stepmom,” Ella introduced herself during the 2020 Democratic convention. “You were the rock, not just for our dad, but for three generations of our extended, blended family.” Getty Images Harris hugs her stepchildren, Cole and EllaGetty Images

Cole, who graduated from Colorado College in 2017, followed in his father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry, working at talent agency WME and, later, Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B.

Ella, who graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York City, signed with IMG Models in 2021 and has walked for high-end fashion brands like Balenciaga and Proenza Schouler. She is also a prolific artist and knitter, launching her knitwear brand and club Soft Hands in 2021.

3. Kerstin Emhoff (Doug Emhoff’s Ex-Wife)

Cole and Ella’s mother, Kerstin, has – perhaps unsurprisingly – gone out of her way to speak warmly and positively about Harris. Most recently, Kerstin defended Harris when J.D. Vance’s comments about “childless cat ladies” resurfaced.

“For over 10 years, since Cole and Ella were teenagers, Kamala has co-parented with Doug and me,” Kerstin said in a statement to CNN. “She is loving, attentive, fiercely protective and ever-present. I love our blended family and am grateful to have her in it.”