When you see a high-ranking politician on a stage, you usually expect the standard "nuclear family" portrait. You know the one. Two parents, a couple of biological kids, maybe a Golden Retriever. But the family life of the former Vice President looks a bit different, and honestly, it’s a lot more like what many Americans experience in their own living rooms.
People are constantly Googling the children of Kamala Harris because there’s a bit of a terminology gap. Technically, Harris doesn't have biological children. But if you ask her, or her stepchildren, or even her husband's ex-wife, they'll tell you that "stepmother" doesn't even begin to cover the reality of their "modern family" setup.
Meet Cole and Ella: Not Your Average "Political Kids"
The two most important names to know are Cole and Ella Emhoff. They are the biological children of Doug Emhoff and his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff. When Kamala and Doug got married back in 2014, she didn't just get a husband; she got two teenagers who were already pretty well-established in their own lives.
Cole is the oldest. Born in 1994, he’s now in his early 30s. He was named after the jazz legend John Coltrane, which tells you a little something about the vibe of the household he grew up in. Unlike some political offspring who chase the limelight, Cole mostly stays behind the scenes. He went to Colorado College, studied psychology, and eventually found his footing in the entertainment world. These days, he works at Plan B Entertainment—the production company co-founded by Brad Pitt.
Then there’s Ella. Born in 1999, she’s the one you likely recognize from the 2021 inauguration. She’s named after Ella Fitzgerald. She stole the show in that sparkly Miu Miu coat, and since then, her career has basically exploded. She’s a model with IMG, a knitwear designer, and a bit of a "cool girl" icon in Brooklyn.
Quick Snapshot: The Emhoff Siblings
- Cole Emhoff (31): The low-key film industry professional. Married to Greenley Littlejohn in 2023 (Kamala actually officiated the wedding!).
- Ella Emhoff (26): The fashion trailblazer. Parsons School of Design grad who treats knitting like a high-art form and isn't afraid of a quirky runway look.
Why They Call Her "Momala"
The word "stepmother" can feel a little cold, right? Like something out of a Disney movie where the lady is trying to lock someone in a tower. The children of Kamala Harris decided early on they wanted something different.
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They settled on "Momala."
It’s a play on her name and the Yiddish word mamele, which basically means "little mother." It’s become a bit of a brand for the family, but it started as a way to honor her role without erasing their biological mom, Kerstin. Harris has often said that of all her titles—District Attorney, Senator, Vice President—"Momala" is the one that means the most.
The Secret Ingredient: Kerstin Emhoff
You can't talk about the children of Kamala Harris without talking about their mother, Kerstin. Usually, in these political narratives, the ex-wife is a ghost or a source of drama. Not here.
Kerstin Emhoff is a powerhouse film producer and, surprisingly, one of Kamala's biggest defenders. When people tried to attack Harris for being "childless" during various campaigns, Kerstin was the first one to shut it down. She’s gone on record saying that Kamala has been a "co-parent" for over a decade.
Imagine this: The Vice President of the United States and her husband’s ex-wife going to SoulCycle together. It sounds like a sitcom plot, but it’s their actual life. This "trio" of parents is what allowed Cole and Ella to navigate the crazy world of Washington D.C. without losing their minds.
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Growing Up in the Spotlight
It wasn't always easy. Cole and Ella were teenagers when their dad started dating "The General" (their nickname for Kamala during her California AG days). Harris was very intentional about the first meeting. She actually waited until she and Doug were serious before meeting the kids because she didn't want to be another "temporary" person in their lives.
When she finally did meet them, she brought a tin of cookies. It worked.
The kids have been through the ringer:
- The Senate Run: When they first had to get used to cameras following their "Momala."
- The 2020 Campaign: Seeing their family life picked apart by national media.
- The Vice Presidency: Having Secret Service detail follow them to brunch in Brooklyn.
- The 2024 Election: Supporting her through a whirlwind campaign and the eventual concession.
Through all of it, the children of Kamala Harris have remained remarkably grounded. You don't see them in the tabloids for the wrong reasons. They seem to just... be themselves. Cole is focused on his marriage and his career in film; Ella is focused on her "Soft Hands Knit Club" and her art.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that this is a "political" family arrangement made for the cameras. Honestly, if you look at the timeline, they were a tight-knit unit long before the White House was even on the horizon.
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They have a Sunday night dinner tradition that they’ve fought to keep alive even with the most insane schedules. Kamala usually cooks. Cole sets the table. Ella brings the energy. It’s a bit of normalcy in a life that is anything but normal.
Another thing? People think they must all agree on everything because they're a "political family." But Ella, specifically, has been vocal about her own perspectives, even when they don't perfectly align with the administration's talking points. That’s the sign of a family that values individuality over a curated image.
Actionable Takeaways: What We Can Learn from the Harris-Emhoffs
If you’re looking at this family and wondering how they make it work, it boils down to a few "real-world" rules they seem to live by:
- Respect the "First" Mom: Harris never tried to replace Kerstin. By befriending her, she made it safe for the kids to love her.
- Create Your Own Language: Titles like "Momala" give a family its own identity that doesn't have to fit into a pre-made box.
- Prioritize the Boring Stuff: Sunday dinners and checking in on "real life" matters more than the big stage events.
- Patience is Key: Harris waited to meet the kids until the relationship was solid. That foundation of trust changed everything.
Whether or not you agree with her politics, the way the children of Kamala Harris talk about her—and the way she talks about them—is a pretty fascinating look at how modern families are being redefined in the 21st century.
Find more stories about how high-profile figures navigate their personal lives by checking out our latest features on modern blended families.