7 Shocking Facts About Ella Emhoff, Kamala Harris's Stepdaughter Who Is Redefining The 'Second Family'

Kamala Harris's stepdaughter, Ella Emhoff, has cemented her status as one of the most unconventional and captivating figures to emerge from a US political family in decades. While the public eye often focuses on the Vice President's political career, as of December 2025, Ella has continued to build a fiercely independent profile as a high-fashion model, a multidisciplinary artist, and a knitwear designer, all while engaging in New York City's political and cultural landscape. She has successfully navigated the complexities of being part of the "Second Family" while maintaining a distinct, anti-establishment aesthetic that resonates deeply with Gen Z audiences.

The 25-year-old artist, who affectionately calls the Vice President "Momala," has made headlines with her latest career moves, including walking the runway during the Spring/Summer 2025 New York Fashion Week and actively endorsing candidates in local New York elections. Her journey from a relatively private art student to a global fashion icon and political activist is a fascinating case study in modern celebrity, blending high-profile politics with a commitment to sustainable, handmade art.

Ella Emhoff: The Full Biography and Profile

Ella Rose Emhoff is the daughter of Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff and his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff. She and her older brother, Cole Emhoff, have been a visible part of the Vice President's life since Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff married in 2014.

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• Full Name: Ella Rose Emhoff
• Date of Birth: May 29, 1999
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 26
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Doug Emhoff (Father, Second Gentleman of the United States) and Kerstin Emhoff (Mother, Film Producer)
• Stepmother: Kamala Harris (Vice President of the United States)
• Sibling: Cole Emhoff (Older Brother)
• Nickname: "Momala" (used for Kamala Harris by both Ella and Cole)
• Education: Parsons School of Design (BFA in Fine Arts, focus on Textiles/Knitwear)
• Current Residence: Brooklyn, New York
• Career: Fashion Model (Signed with IMG Models), Textile Artist, Knitwear Designer

The 2025 Fashion and Political Activism Updates That Define Her Career

Ella Emhoff’s public life is a carefully balanced act between the high-octane world of luxury fashion and her grounded, 'soft crafts' artistic pursuits. Her recent activities in 2025 highlight a continued commitment to both spheres, proving she is far more than just a political family member.

1. Walking the Coach Runway at NYFW Spring/Summer 2025

One of the biggest headlines surrounding Ella in 2025 was her return to the runway for New York Fashion Week (NYFW). She walked for the Coach Spring/Summer 2025 show, a major presentation that solidified her place in the industry. Ella brought her signature detached-fashion-kid aesthetic to the collection, which celebrated classic American casual style with influences from skate culture. Her appearance at the show, wearing an "I Heart NY" tee, further cemented her image as a quintessential New York creative.

2. Unexpected Political Endorsement in the 2025 NYC Mayoral Race

While her stepmother is a national political figure, Ella has focused her political energy locally in New York City. In 2025, she made a notable endorsement in the New York City mayoral election, backing Zohran Mamdani. This move was significant, as it demonstrated her willingness to use her platform for local issues and progressive candidates, distinguishing her own political voice from that of the White House.

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3. The Rise of 'Soft Crafts' and Her Substack Community

Away from the runway lights, Ella's passion remains rooted in textiles and knitwear. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design, where she focused on fine arts and textiles. Her artistic output is channeled through her Substack, the "Soft Crafts Craft Club," which she launched in late 2024. This platform allows her to share her love for knitting and crochet, which she considers a form of art with a "higher barrier to entry" than other mediums. This venture showcases her desire to pivot back to fine arts after dedicated modeling work, yearning for a more hands-on, creative process.

The 'Momala' Dynamic: Redefining the Second Family

The relationship between Ella Emhoff and Vice President Kamala Harris has been a source of public fascination since the inauguration. The term "Momala," which Ella and her brother Cole use for the Vice President, speaks to the closeness and non-traditional nature of their blended family.

A Blended Family in the Spotlight

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff married in 2014, and Harris quickly embraced her role as a stepmother. The use of "Momala" is a deliberate choice to honor Harris's place in their lives without replacing their biological mother, Kerstin Emhoff, with whom they also maintain a close relationship. This modern, harmonious "Second Family" dynamic has been praised for its transparency and warmth, offering a positive example of co-parenting and step-parenting in the political sphere.

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The Inauguration Look That Launched a Career

While Ella had already been pursuing her art degree at Parsons, her appearance at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration was the moment that catapulted her to global fame. Her Miu Miu coat, featuring a jeweled collar, instantly went viral, leading to her signing with IMG Models shortly thereafter. This single fashion moment perfectly encapsulated her unique style—a blend of high fashion, vintage sensibility, and her own quirky, handmade accessories.

From Knitwear Collaborations to Mental Health Advocacy

Ella's brand extends beyond the political and fashion worlds, touching on social issues and her personal artistic endeavors. Her career is a tapestry of high-profile collaborations and intimate, personal projects.

High-Profile Fashion Collaborations

Following her modeling success, Ella has used her platform to collaborate with established designers, often bringing her love of textiles to the forefront. She collaborated on a knitwear collection with designer Batsheva Hay, showcasing her innovative approach to the craft. Additionally, in 2024, she teamed up with the brand Doublesoul for a collection of eye-popping socks, further demonstrating her ability to inject her unique style into commercial projects.

Addressing Mental Health Rumors

In November 2024, Ella took to social media to directly address rumors concerning her mental health, urging her followers to be mindful of the information they consume. This public statement was a rare moment of vulnerability, highlighting the intense scrutiny that comes with being a public figure and using her voice to advocate for mental well-being and responsible social media engagement.

In summary, Ella Emhoff is not just "Kamala Harris's stepdaughter"; she is a formidable artist and model who is charting her own course. Her 2025 activities—from her NYFW runway walk and her local political endorsements to her dedication to the 'Soft Crafts Craft Club'—show a young woman who is confidently defining her identity outside the shadow of the White House. Her influence continues to grow, making her one of the most compelling and authentic voices in the intersection of art, fashion, and politics today.