The Emhoff Effect: 5 Fascinating Facts About Kamala Harris's Stepchildren, Cole And Ella, In 2025

The family life of Vice President Kamala Harris has captured the public's attention, particularly the dynamic with her two adult stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff. As of today, December 14, 2025, the siblings—who affectionately call Harris "Momala"—are forging unique and highly visible paths in the worlds of entertainment and fashion, all while maintaining a close-knit relationship with the Second Family.

The term "Kamala's daughter" is often used to refer to Ella Emhoff, the younger of the two, due to her high-profile status in the modeling world. However, both she and her older brother, Cole, are the children of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff. Their story is a modern portrait of a successful blended family, with both Cole and Ella frequently appearing alongside their father and stepmother at major public events.

Ella and Cole Emhoff: A Complete Biographical Profile

The Emhoff siblings have managed to balance their private lives with their public connection to the Vice President, each building a distinct career while remaining fiercely supportive of their family.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

• Full Name: Cole Emhoff
• Date of Birth: Circa 1995
• Age (as of Dec 2025): Approximately 30
• Parents: Douglas Emhoff and Kerstin Emhoff
• Stepmother: Kamala Harris
• Education: Colorado College (B.A. in Psychology, 2017)
• Career: Works in the Entertainment Industry (Los Angeles-based)
• Personal Life: Married (Kamala Harris officiated the wedding)

• Full Name: Ella Rose Emhoff
• Date of Birth: May 29, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26
• Parents: Douglas Emhoff and Kerstin Emhoff
• Stepmother: Kamala Harris
• Education: Parsons School of Design (BFA in Apparel and Textiles)
• Career: Professional Fashion Model (Signed to IMG Models), Artist, and Designer
• Public Persona: Known for her distinctive style, tattoos, and knitwear designs.

1. Ella Emhoff’s Breakout 2025 in High Fashion

Ella Emhoff has successfully transitioned from a viral moment at the 2021 Inauguration to a serious, working professional model and designer. Her career trajectory has continued to accelerate through 2025, cementing her status as a notable figure in the high fashion world.

From Viral Knitwear to a Global Runway Presence

Ella's distinct, quirky style—often featuring her own custom knitwear and accessories—has made her a favorite of both independent and major fashion houses. In 2025, she has been particularly active, securing a place among the industry's rising stars.

• NYFW 2025 Presence: Ella walked the runway for Coach’s Spring/Summer 2025 presentation during New York Fashion Week (NYFW). She also appeared on the Collina Strada runway, further establishing her unique aesthetic on the global stage.
• The "2025 Uniform": In a recent interview, Ella discussed her personal style evolution, noting that she is excited about having a "uniform" for 2025—a collection of key silhouettes she owns in multiple versions. This focus on sustainable and personal style resonates with a younger, environmentally conscious audience.
• Design Work: Beyond modeling, Ella continues to focus on her own art and design work, specializing in unique, hand-crafted knitwear, including skirts, coats, and hats, which she sells through her own platform.

2. Cole Emhoff’s Private Career in the Entertainment Industry

In contrast to his sister's very public career, Cole Emhoff maintains a significantly lower profile. The elder Emhoff sibling has chosen a career path that keeps him mostly out of the political and celebrity spotlight, focusing instead on the business of creativity.

• The Facts Of Life Cast Where Are Eastlands Girls Now 2024 Updates 2tx8p

Following in His Mother’s Footsteps

Cole, who graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Psychology in 2017, lives and works in Los Angeles. He has pursued a career in the entertainment industry, a field similar to that of his biological mother, Kerstin Emhoff, who is a successful film and commercial producer.

While specific details about his current role in 2025 are scarce, his choice to work behind the scenes reflects a desire for privacy and professional focus away from Washington D.C. He is known to be a private individual, though he is frequently present at major family and political events to support his father and stepmother, including cheering for Kamala Harris at the 2024 Democratic events.

3. The "Momala" Dynamic and Blended Family Success

Perhaps the most defining and endearing aspect of the Emhoff family is the relationship between Kamala Harris and her stepchildren, who coined the nickname "Momala" for her. This term has become a powerful symbol of a successful, modern blended family.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

A “Three-Headed Parenting Machine”

The relationship is characterized by mutual respect and deep affection. Ella Emhoff famously described the dynamic between her father (Doug Emhoff), her mother (Kerstin Emhoff), and Kamala Harris as a "three-headed parenting machine." This supportive environment is a key entity in the family's public narrative, demonstrating that the biological parents and stepparent can successfully co-parent.

• Love at First Sight: Cole Emhoff has described meeting Kamala Harris as "love at first sight," highlighting the immediate and genuine connection they shared.
• Respect for Boundaries: Harris has spoken openly about her conscious effort to respect Cole and Ella’s relationship with their mother, ensuring she did not overstep her role as a stepmother in the early days of her relationship with Doug.
• Family Support: The siblings are consistent pillars of support, often seen at key campaign moments and White House events. Their presence underscores the importance of family to the Vice President and the Second Gentleman, providing a relatable, human element to their public roles.

4. Cole’s Wedding and Kamala’s Role as Officiant

In a deeply personal moment that further highlighted the family's closeness, Kamala Harris officiated Cole Emhoff’s wedding. While the exact date of the wedding is kept private, the fact that the Vice President of the United States performed the ceremony is a testament to the strong bond she shares with her stepson.

This event solidified the public's understanding of their unique relationship, showing that "Momala" is not just a political nickname but a title of genuine familial affection and responsibility. It provides a rare glimpse into the private life of the Emhoff family, demonstrating that their relationship is built on shared moments and mutual commitment.

5. The Emhoff Siblings’ Influence on Youth Culture

Both Ella and Cole Emhoff, through their career choices and public personas, have become influential figures for young adults navigating complex family structures and non-traditional professional paths. Ella, in particular, has become a fashion icon for Gen Z.

By openly embracing her tattoos, unique style, and artistic pursuits, Ella Emhoff challenges traditional expectations of a political family member. She has used her platform to promote self-expression and the arts, working with brands like Miu Miu, Balenciaga, and Proenza Schouler in addition to her own designs. Her visibility demonstrates that one can be connected to the highest levels of government while maintaining a fiercely independent and creative identity.

Their collective story—of a successful entertainment professional and a high-fashion model/designer—redefines what it means to be a modern political family member, moving beyond traditional expectations and embracing unique, authentic career paths.