Kamala Harris, a prominent figure in American politics, has garnered significant public attention, especially concerning her personal life and family. As a trailblazer who has held various high-profile positions, including Vice President of the United States, curiosity about her life beyond politics is natural. One common question that arises is: How Many Times Has Kamala Harris Been Married?
This article delves into the marital history of Kamala Harris, providing a clear and concise answer while also exploring the context of her family life, including her husband, stepchildren, and extended family.
Kamala Harris’s Marriage to Doug Emhoff
Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at a campaign event in Rochester, PA.
The answer to the question of how many times Kamala Harris has been married is once. Kamala Harris is currently married to Douglas Emhoff, widely known as Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States. Their marriage marks the first and only time Harris has been married.
Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff’s relationship began in 2013 after being set up on a blind date by a mutual friend. At the time, Harris was serving as California’s Attorney General, and Emhoff was a successful entertainment lawyer based in Los Angeles. According to Harris’s memoir, “The Truths We Hold,” Emhoff was remarkably direct after their first date, expressing his genuine interest in pursuing a relationship.
They married in 2014 in a private ceremony in Santa Barbara, California. This was Harris’s first marriage and Emhoff’s second. Their wedding was a blend of their backgrounds and personalities, solidifying a bond that those close to them describe as deeply loving and enduring.
Doug Emhoff’s Previous Marriage and Kamala Harris as “Momala”
Doug Emhoff was previously married to Kerstin Emhoff, and they have two children together, Cole and Ella Emhoff. A significant aspect of Kamala Harris’s family life is her role as stepmother to Cole and Ella. This blended family dynamic is openly embraced and celebrated by all members.
Cole and Ella Emhoff, stepchildren of Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Presidential Inauguration in 2021.
Cole, 29, and Ella, 25, affectionately call Kamala Harris “Momala,” a testament to the close and loving relationship they share. The Emhoff children have often spoken publicly about the strong co-parenting relationship between Kamala, Doug, and their mother, Kerstin. Kerstin Emhoff even attended Kamala Harris’s inauguration in 2021, highlighting the unity and support within their family.
Ella Emhoff famously described their family dynamic to The New York Times in 2021, stating, “They are really a unit, like a three-person parenting squad. It’s really cool.” This exemplifies the positive and modern approach they have taken to blended family life.
Kamala Harris, who experienced her parents’ divorce when she was young, has expressed deep appreciation for her stepchildren, calling them “my endless source of love and pure joy.”
Kamala Harris’s Family Life Beyond Marriage
While Kamala Harris has been married once to Doug Emhoff, her family extends beyond her marital relationship and stepchildren. Her close-knit family includes her sister, Maya Harris, and her niece, Meena Harris.
Kamala Harris being sworn in as Attorney General with her sister Maya Harris and Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye in 2011.
Maya Harris, Kamala’s younger sister, is a lawyer and political commentator who has been a consistent source of support and collaboration throughout Kamala’s career. They are daughters of immigrant parents – a Jamaican father and an Indian mother – and were primarily raised by their mother, Dr. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, after their parents divorced. The bond between Kamala and Maya is known to be very strong.
Meena Harris, Maya’s daughter and Kamala’s niece, is an entrepreneur, author, and activist. She founded Phenomenal, a media company focused on women and historically excluded communities. Meena has also written children’s books, further extending the family’s impact into different spheres.
Meena Harris at the premiere of “A League of Their Own” in Los Angeles.
Conclusion
In summary, Kamala Harris has been married once to her current husband, Doug Emhoff. Her marital history is straightforward, but her family life is rich and multifaceted, characterized by a loving blended family with her husband and stepchildren, and strong relationships with her sister and niece. Her experiences reflect a modern approach to family, emphasizing love, support, and unity. Understanding Kamala Harris’s family provides a more complete picture of the person and leader she is today.
