7 Shocking & Sweet Facts About Kamala Harris’s Husband And Kids You Missed In The Headlines
Biography of Douglas Emhoff, Cole Emhoff, and Ella Emhoff
To fully appreciate the unique family unit, it is essential to understand the individual members who make up the "Second Family" of the United States from 2021 to 2025.
- Douglas Craig Emhoff (Husband)
- Born: October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York.
- Education: B.A. from California State University, Northridge; J.D. from USC Gould School of Law.
- Career: Highly successful entertainment lawyer. He practiced law for over 25 years. He was also a Distinguished Visitor from Practice at Georgetown University Law Center during his time as Second Gentleman.
- Political Role: First-ever Second Gentleman of the United States (2021–2025).
- Previous Marriage: Married to Kerstin Emhoff (née Mackin) from 1992 to 2008.
- Cole Emhoff (Stepson)
- Born: September 15, 1994 (Age 31 in 2025).
- Named After: Jazz legend John Coltrane.
- Education: Graduated from Colorado College in 2017.
- Career: Resides in Los Angeles and is reported to be working in the entertainment industry, though he maintains a very private life away from the political spotlight.
- Ella Emhoff (Stepdaughter)
- Born: May 29, 1999 (Age 26 in 2025).
- Named After: Jazz icon Ella Fitzgerald.
- Education: Graduated from Parsons School of Design in 2021, specializing in fashion and textiles.
- Career: Professional model signed to IMG Models Worldwide and a successful knitwear designer, often dubbed an "accidental style icon" for her boundary-pushing fashion choices.
The Sweet & Shocking Details of the Harris-Emhoff Marriage
The foundation of Kamala Harris's family life is her marriage to Doug Emhoff. Their love story is a modern fairy tale, but it is not without its complexities, which have only recently been revealed to the public.
1. The Blind Date That Started It All
The couple met in 2013 on a blind date set up by Harris’s friend, public relations consultant Chrisette Hudlin. Harris was the Attorney General of California at the time, and Emhoff was a high-profile entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. Emhoff was so smitten that he emailed her the next morning with his schedule and the bold statement: "I'm too old to play games." They were married a year later in 2014 in Santa Barbara, California.
2. The Candid Revelation of a Past Affair
In a surprising and very recent detail, Kamala Harris chose to address a sensitive part of her husband's past in her new book, 107 Days. The memoir, which chronicles her 2024 presidential campaign, includes a candid discussion of the affair Doug Emhoff had while he was married to his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff. Harris's decision to break her silence on this topic provides a new, vulnerable layer to the public's understanding of their relationship and the family's journey toward healing and blending.
3. Doug Emhoff's Groundbreaking Role as the First Second Gentleman
Doug Emhoff made history by becoming the first-ever Second Gentleman of the United States in 2021. He stepped away from his lucrative law career to fully embrace the role, focusing his public work on issues like legal aid, gender equity, and combating antisemitism. His commitment was unprecedented, offering a supportive, non-traditional model for the role of a political spouse. Even after the end of their term in 2025, his legacy as a pioneering male political spouse remains firmly established.
The Modern Blended Family: Momala and Her Creative Kids
Kamala Harris does not have biological children, but she is a devoted stepmother to Cole and Ella, who affectionately call her "Momala." This term is a blend of "Mom" and her first name, symbolizing the deep, authentic bond she shares with them.
4. The Origin of "Momala"
The name "Momala" was coined by Cole and Ella themselves, reflecting their desire for a title that was distinct from "Mom" (reserved for their biological mother, Kerstin Emhoff) but still conveyed a sense of maternal love and closeness. The relationship between Harris, Emhoff, and Kerstin is notably amicable, a true testament to successful co-parenting in a blended family. Kerstin even campaigned for Harris during the 2020 election, demonstrating a united front for the children.
5. Ella Emhoff: The Accidental Fashion Icon
Ella Emhoff has carved out a highly visible and successful career in the fashion world, completely separate from politics. She gained international attention for her stylish, unconventional look at the 2021 Inauguration. Since then, she has signed with IMG Models, walked in major fashion shows, and launched her own line of unique, hand-knitted apparel. Her style is often described as "cool-girl chic," and she is considered a genuine fashion influencer, bringing a fresh, artistic energy to the "Second Family."
6. Cole Emhoff: The Private Artist
In stark contrast to his sister, Cole Emhoff has actively chosen a life out of the public eye. After graduating from Colorado College, he moved back to Los Angeles, where he is reportedly working in the entertainment or artistic fields. Despite his father's high-profile political career, Cole has maintained a very private social media presence and rarely appears at political events. This deliberate choice highlights the family's respect for the children's individual boundaries and their desire for normalcy.
7. The Family's Shared Love for Jazz
One of the sweetest, lesser-known facts about the family is their shared appreciation for jazz music. Cole and Ella are both named after legendary jazz musicians: John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald, respectively. This detail speaks to the cultural and artistic values instilled by their parents, providing a personal, non-political entity that binds the family together.
The Harris-Emhoff family unit—comprised of Kamala, Doug, Cole, and Ella—stands as a powerful symbol of the modern American family. Their story is one of second chances, successful co-parenting, and the ability to maintain personal and creative lives even under the intense glare of the political spotlight. The recent revelations in Harris's book, 107 Days, only deepen the public's fascination with this resilient and openly supportive "Momala" and her groundbreaking family.
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