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

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra says she wants strong roles not just ornamental characters

Getty Images

Priyanka Chopra says she is just getting started in Hollywood with 'Heads of State' on Prime Video

Quick highlights:

  • Priyanka Chopra Jonas says she’s just getting started in Hollywood.
  • Stars as a fierce MI6 agent alongside Idris Elba and John Cena.
  • Gets into serious action mode with explosions, helicopters, and hand-to-hand combat.
  • Says her journey is still evolving, with much more to explore in the West.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may have ruled Bollywood for over two decades, but the global star believes she’s still “nascent” in her Hollywood journey, and that’s what makes it exciting.

The Quantico and Citadel actor stars in the new Amazon Prime Video film Heads of State, playing a sharp MI6 agent named Noel Bisset. Her character has a complicated history with British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (played by Idris Elba) and is tasked with protecting him and the newly elected US President Will Derringer (John Cena) when they're attacked before a major NATO conference.

Keep ReadingShow less
Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh becomes most followed musician on Spotify

Getty Images

Arijit Singh overtakes Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran to become most followed artist on Spotify

Quick highlights:

• Arijit Singh makes global music history with 151 million Spotify followers

• Surpasses Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran in follower count

Keep ReadingShow less
Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Liam Gallagher

Liam Gallagher arrives for the special screening of Oasis documentary "Supersonic"

Getty Images

Liam Gallagher apologises for racial slur after backlash as Oasis reunion tour kicks off

Quick highlights:

  • Liam Gallagher issued an apology after using a racial slur in a now-deleted social media post.
  • The offensive post appeared just days before Oasis kicked off their reunion tour in Cardiff.
  • Fans criticised the singer on X, prompting him to clarify it was unintentional.
  • Oasis will perform over 40 shows globally, starting 5 July in Wales.

Liam Gallagher has apologised for using a racial slur in a post on X, as Oasis reunites for their first tour in 15 years. The singer shared a one-word reply on Monday that included a derogatory term aimed at East Asian people. Though he quickly deleted it, screenshots circulated online, sparking widespread criticism.

In a follow-up post on Tuesday, Gallagher wrote: “Sorry if I offended anyone with my tweet before it wasn’t intentional you know I love you all and I do not discriminate. Peace and love LG x.”

Keep ReadingShow less