Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

All you need to know about Kamala Harris’s family

This diverse and supportive family has been integral to Harris's rise in American politics

All you need to know about Kamala Harris’s family

AS US vice president Kamala Harris navigates her new role and potential future as a commander-in-chief, her family's support has become a notable part of her public life.

The Democratic convention in Chicago was a key moment for Harris, allowing the public to get to know her family who have played a significant role in her journey.


Harris comes from a diverse and accomplished family background that has shaped her journey to becoming one of America's top political leaders.

Harris was born in 1964 in Oakland, California to immigrant parents. She has risen to become the first female, black, and South Asian vice president of the US. A lawyer by training, she served as Attorney General of California before becoming a US Senator and then vice president.

Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer researcher from India known for her brilliance and determination.

Her father, Donald Harris, is a Jamaican-born economist who became a professor at Stanford University. Though her parents divorced when Harris was young, both had a strong influence on her upbringing and values.

Kamala Harris's mother Shyamala Gopalan was 19 when she crossed the world alone, travelling from India to California with a dream to be the scientist who would cure breast cancer (Photo: Instagram: @vp)

Harris is particularly close with her younger sister Maya, who followed a similar path in law and politics. Maya has been a key adviser in Harris' political campaigns. Maya's daughter Meena has also gained prominence as an author and entrepreneur, writing children's books featuring her "Aunty Kamala."

In 2014, Harris married Doug Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer, becoming stepmother to his two children from a previous marriage.

Details about Harris's family members

Shyamala Gopalan (mother): Harris's mother was a breast cancer researcher from Chennai, India. She came to the US at 19 to pursue her education, earning a PhD from UC Berkeley. Known for her intelligence and determination, she raised Kamala and Maya largely on her own after divorcing their father. Shyamala passed away in 2009.

Donald J. Harris (father): A Jamaican immigrant, Donald Harris is an economist who became a professor emeritus at Stanford University. While less prominent in Harris's public narrative, he contributed to her multicultural upbringing.

Maya Harris. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Maya Harris (sister): Kamala's younger sister, Maya, is also a lawyer and political advisor. She has worked for the ACLU, served as a policy advisor for Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, and was the chairwoman of Kamala's 2020 presidential campaign.

Doug Emhoff (husband): An entertainment lawyer, Doug married Kamala in 2014. He became the first "second gentleman" when Harris took office as vice president, as well as the first Jewish spouse of a US president or vice president. He left his law career to support Harris full-time.

Cole Emhoff (stepson): Doug's son from his previous marriage, Cole is now 30 years old. He works in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, having been involved in film productions.

Ella Emhoff (stepdaughter): Doug's daughter, Ella, is 25 and has gained attention as a model and artist since Harris became vice president. She has walked in fashion shows and sells her own knitwear designs.

Helena Hudlin, goddaughter of Kamala Harris, Meena Harris (niece) and Ella Emhoff speak on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on August 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Meena Harris (niece): Maya's daughter, Meena, is a lawyer, author, and entrepreneur. She has written children's books featuring her aunt Kamala and runs a company called Phenomenal.

Tony West (brother-in-law): Married to Maya, Tony is a lawyer who has worked in both the public and private sectors. He served as Associate Attorney General under president Obama and is currently the chief legal officer at Uber.

Kerstin Emhoff (Doug's ex-wife): Though not technically family, Kerstin has been supportive of Harris and is described as part of their "blended family." She's the mother of Cole and Ella and has spoken positively about Harris's role as a stepmother.

More For You

Campbell Wilson

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson steps down as Air India Express chair

AIR INDIA CEO Campbell Wilson is stepping down as chair of Air India Express, the airline’s low-cost subsidiary. He will be replaced by Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s chief commercial officer, according to an internal memo sent on Tuesday.

Wilson will also step down from the board of Air India Express. Basil Kwauk, Air India’s chief operating officer, will take his place.

Keep ReadingShow less
Harry and Meghan urge tougher safeguards to protect children online

Prince Harry criticised tech companies for citing privacy laws to deny access

Getty

Harry and Meghan urge tougher safeguards to protect children online

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called for stronger protections for children online, warning that not enough is being done to shield young people from the dangers of social media

During a visit to New York, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle unveiled a new memorial dedicated to the memory of children whose families believe harmful online content contributed to their deaths. The installation, named the Lost Screen Memorial, features 50 smartphones, each displaying an image of a child lost to what their families describe as the adverse effects of social media. The memorial was made available to the public for 24 hours.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra Teams Up with John Cena, Idris Elba in 'Heads of State'

An elite MI6 agent played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Getty

Priyanka Chopra fronts action thriller ‘Heads of State’ with John Cena, Idris Elba

A dynamic of action, comedy, and political misadventure is set to hit Prime Video this summer with the release of Heads of State. The newly launched trailer teases a fast-paced, explosive ride featuring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Cena, and Idris Elba in lead roles. The film is slated to premiere globally on 2 July 2025.

Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the filmmaker behind Hardcore Henry and Nobody, Heads of State is billed as a cross between Air Force One and Midnight Run. The film places mismatched world leaders at the centre of a chaotic crisis that forces them to work together, despite their egos and rivalries.

Keep ReadingShow less
Afghan exodus soars as Pakistan deadline nears

Afghan refugees arrive at a camp near the Torkham border last Sunday (20)

Afghan exodus soars as Pakistan deadline nears

MORE than 100,000 Afghans have left Pakistan in the past three weeks, the interior ministry said on Tuesday (22), after Islamabad announced the cancellation of residence permits.

Calling Afghans “terrorists and criminals”, the Pakistan government launched its mass eviction campaign on April 1. Analysts said the expulsions are designed to pressure Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities, which Islamabad blames for fuelling a rise in border attacks.

Keep ReadingShow less