5 Surprising Facts About Kamala Harris's Marriage: The Untold Story Of The First 'Second Couple'

The answer to the burning question, "Is Kamala Harris married?" is a resounding yes, and her marriage is a surprisingly modern and highly supportive political partnership. As of this current date, December 13, 2025, the former Vice President of the United States is married to Douglas Emhoff, a prominent entertainment lawyer who made history as the nation's first-ever Second Gentleman. Their relationship, which began with a blind date, has been a source of public fascination, showcasing a blended family dynamic that is rare at the highest levels of American politics.

Their enduring union, which recently marked its 11th anniversary, is a cornerstone of Kamala Harris's personal life and public image. This article delves into the definitive facts of their marriage, the unique dynamics of their blended family, and the full biography of the couple who navigated the intense scrutiny of the White House and the Vice Presidency together, setting a new standard for political spouses.

Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff: A Complete Biographical Profile

The relationship between Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff is often celebrated for its low-key beginnings and its high-profile evolution. Here is a detailed look at the biographical profiles of the couple.

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Kamala Harris: Former Vice President of the United States

• Full Name: Kamala Devi Harris
• Born: October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California
• Parents: Shyamala Gopalan (a Tamil Indian biologist and cancer researcher) and Donald J. Harris (a Jamaican-American economist)
• Education: Howard University (B.A.), University of California, Hastings College of the Law (J.D.)
• Key Career Milestones: District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, U.S. Senator for California, 49th Vice President of the United States (2021–2025)
• Family Role: Stepmother to Cole and Ella Emhoff, affectionately known as "Momala"
• Sibling: Sister, Maya Harris, a lawyer and political advocate

Douglas Emhoff: Former Second Gentleman of the United States

• Full Name: Douglas Craig Emhoff
• Born: October 13, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York
• Education: California State University, Northridge (B.A.), University of Southern California (J.D.)
• Career: Highly successful entertainment lawyer, former partner at DLA Piper
• Political Role: First-ever Second Gentleman of the United States (2021–2025)
• Previous Marriage: Married to Kerstin Emhoff (a film producer) for over 15 years, with whom he shares two children.
• Nickname: Known for his supportive and non-traditional role as a political spouse.

The Modern Love Story: From Blind Date to the Vice Presidency

The tale of Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff is a testament to finding love later in life and embracing a blended family structure. Their initial meeting was far from a political power lunch; it was a simple, old-fashioned blind date orchestrated by a mutual friend, Chrisette Hudlin, in 2013.

At the time, Harris was the Attorney General of California, a powerful and busy politician. Emhoff was a successful entertainment lawyer in Los Angeles. Their connection was immediate and profound, starting with a memorable, "rambling voicemail" Emhoff left Harris the morning after their first date.

Their courtship was a whirlwind, culminating in a proposal on March 27, 2014. They married just four months later, on August 22, 2014, in a small, private ceremony at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. The ceremony was officiated by Kamala’s sister, Maya Harris. It was a beautiful blend of their backgrounds, with Harris's niece reading a poem and the couple smashing a glass in a nod to Emhoff's Jewish heritage.

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This quick, intimate wedding reflected their focus on family and partnership over political fanfare. The marriage marked a significant personal turning point for both, as they officially merged their lives and families. Emhoff famously suspended his legal career during Harris's vice presidency to fully support her, a powerful act of partnership that redefined the role of a political spouse.

The Unique Dynamic of the Emhoff-Harris Blended Family

Perhaps the most compelling and fresh aspect of Kamala Harris’s marriage is the unique and supportive nature of her blended family. She became a stepmother to Doug's two children from his previous marriage, Cole and Ella Emhoff, who were in college at the time of their wedding.

The "Momala" Nickname

The children, Cole and Ella, affectionately call her "Momala," a term of endearment that combines "Mom" and "Kamala." This nickname is a clear indication of the close, loving bond they share. Both Cole, who works in the entertainment industry, and Ella, a model and designer, have been highly visible and vocal supporters of their stepmother, often appearing on the campaign trail and at official events.

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Harris has often spoken publicly about the joy of being a stepmother, stating that the children are her "endless source of love and pure joy." The family dynamic is a powerful example of modern family structures thriving, even under the intense spotlight of Washington D.C.

A Supportive Relationship with the Ex-Wife

Further demonstrating the maturity and uniqueness of their family is the relationship between Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff’s ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff. Kerstin, a successful film producer, and Kamala Harris are known to be on excellent terms, fostering a truly supportive co-parenting environment for Cole and Ella.

Kerstin Emhoff actively supported Harris's political campaigns. She not only attended the Democratic National Convention but even helped produce a video biography of Doug Emhoff for the event, highlighting the extraordinary level of respect and cooperation within the family. This close bond with his ex-wife and children’s mother is a cornerstone of the stable and happy home life that supports the former Vice President.

The Emhoff-Harris family proves that a modern, blended family can be a source of strength. Their ability to maintain such a positive and united front, despite the pressures of a high-stakes political career, has made their story an inspiration to many. The stability of her marriage and the unconditional support of her entire family have been critical factors in Kamala Harris’s historic journey to the highest levels of government and her continued prominence in American public life.

The Legacy of the First Second Gentleman

Douglas Emhoff's role as the first-ever Second Gentleman was a groundbreaking aspect of their marriage during the Biden-Harris administration. As a male spouse of a female Vice President, his position was unprecedented. He embraced the role with a focus on issues like access to legal aid, supporting military families, and combating antisemitism.

His decision to step away from his lucrative law career to fully commit to his duties as the Second Gentleman was a significant and intentional move. It signaled a new era where a political spouse’s gender and professional ambitions could be secondary to their support of their partner’s public service. Emhoff’s dedication to Harris and his public service work defined his term, further solidifying the image of their partnership as one of mutual respect and sacrifice.

Even after leaving the White House in January 2025, the couple continues to be a powerful unit. Their marriage remains a symbol of a successful, modern partnership—one that is both deeply personal and historically significant—proving that a strong foundation of love and family can withstand the most intense political scrutiny.