Kamala Harris made history when she became the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as the Vice President of the United States in 2020, under President Joe Biden. As the 49th Vice President, she stood as a symbol of diversity, breaking racial and gender barriers in American politics.
Beyond politics, Kamala Harris’s lineage is equally captivating. If you’re looking to explore the Kamala Harris family tree, this guide delves into her parents, siblings, husband, stepchildren, and other interesting facets of her personal background.
Kamala Harris Parents: The Roots of Her Success
Who Were Kamala Harris’s Parents?
Kamala Devi Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to two highly accomplished immigrants — a mother from India and a father from Jamaica. The couple met while they were graduate students at UC Berkeley and married in 1963.
Kamala Harris Mother: Shyamala Gopalan
Kamala Harris’s mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a trailblazing Indian-American biologist. Born in Chennai (then Madras), India, she moved to the U.S. in 1958 to pursue her doctorate in endocrinology at UC Berkeley.
- Major Achievements: Her research on progesterone receptors significantly advanced breast cancer treatment.
- Academic Career: Worked at major institutions including Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and McGill University.
- Death: She passed away in 2009 at the age of 70 after battling colon cancer.
Kamala Harris has often said that her mother was her greatest influence, shaping her identity as both a strong woman and a fierce advocate.
Kamala Harris Father: Donald J. Harris
Her father, Donald J. Harris, is a Jamaican-American economist and professor emeritus at Stanford University.
- Education: Earned a BA from the University of London and a PhD in Economics from UC Berkeley.
- Academic Contribution: He became the first Black person to receive tenure in the Economics Department at Stanford.
- Specialization: Focused on development economics and contributed significantly to policy research.
Donald and Shyamala divorced when Kamala was young, but both remained influential in her upbringing.
Does Kamala Have Siblings?
Yes. Kamala Harris has a younger sister named Maya Lakshmi Harris, born in 1967.
Who Is Maya Harris?
Maya is a lawyer, public policy advocate, and political analyst.
- Education: UC Berkeley (BA) and Stanford Law School (JD).
- Career Highlights:
- Clerked for Judge James Ware.
- Taught law in multiple universities including UC Hastings.
- Served as senior policy advisor to Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential campaign.
- Chairwoman of Kamala’s own 2020 presidential campaign.
Kamala Harris’s Husband: Douglas Emhoff
Who Is Kamala Harris Married To?
Kamala Harris is married to Douglas Emhoff, an attorney and law professor. The couple tied the knot in August 2014.
- Background:
- Born on October 13, 1964.
- Previously married to Kerstin Emhoff.
- Received his JD from USC Gould School of Law.
- Current Role: Teaches law at Georgetown University and is recognized as the first Second Gentleman of the U.S.
Are Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff Separating?
As of now, there are no official reports confirming a separation between Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff. Despite occasional internet rumors, the couple has continued to appear publicly united.
Kamala Harris’s Stepchildren
Upon marrying Doug, Kamala became stepmother to his two children: Cole and Ella Emhoff.
Kamala Harris’s Stepson: Who Is Cole Emhoff?
Cole Emhoff is Kamala’s stepson from Doug’s first marriage.
- Education: Graduated from Colorado College in 2017.
- Career: Works as an executive assistant at Plan B Entertainment.
- Personal Life: Married Greenley Littlejohn in 2023, who works in product development at Brand I.D.
Kamala Harris’s Stepdaughter: Who Is Ella Emhoff?
Ella Emhoff is a fashion designer and model, recognized for her unique style.
- Education: Studied fine arts and design at Parsons School of Design.
- Career:
- Signed with IMG Models.
- Launched her own knitwear line in 2022.
- Introduced a knitting club in 2024.
- Personal Identity: Despite being raised in a Jewish household, she does not formally identify as Jewish.
How Old Is Kamala Harris’s Daughter?
Kamala Harris does not have a biological daughter, but she refers to Ella Emhoff affectionately as her “Momala”’s daughter. As of 2025, Ella Emhoff is 26 years old, having been born in 1999.
Kamala Harris and Willie Brown: A Political Connection
In the 1990s, Kamala Harris had a widely publicized relationship with Willie Brown, the former Mayor of San Francisco and California Assembly Speaker.
- Controversy: Brown appointed Harris to two state commissions.
- Clarification: Kamala later clarified that their professional and personal association did not define her political career.
Where Did Kamala Harris Go to Law School?
Kamala Harris earned her Juris Doctor (JD) degree from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco.
- Undergrad: Attended Howard University, a historically Black university in Washington D.C.
- Bar Admission: She passed the California Bar Exam and started working as a Deputy District Attorney in Alameda County.
Interesting Facts About Kamala Harris
Here are a few lesser-known but interesting facts about Kamala Harris:
- Multicultural Heritage: She is of both Indian Tamil and Jamaican Afro-Caribbean descent.
- Firsts: First female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President in U.S. history.
- Author: She has written books including “The Truths We Hold” and “Superheroes Are Everywhere”.
- Nickname: Her stepchildren call her “Momala”.
- Sorority Member: She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority during her time at Howard University.
- Prosecutorial Career: Served as District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, and U.S. Senator before becoming Vice President.
Final Thoughts on the Kamala Harris Family Tree
The Kamala Harris family tree is a tapestry of academic brilliance, cultural diversity, and public service. From her mother’s contributions to science to her father’s legacy in economics, from her sister’s political influence to her husband’s legal career, and her stepchildren’s creative and professional pursuits — her family represents a blend of intellect, ambition, and integrity.
Whether you’re curious about Kamala Harris parents, her personal relationships, or her inspirational rise, one thing is clear: her story is shaped by generations of individuals who broke boundaries and redefined excellence.
