Kamala Harris doesn't have biological children of her own, but she shares a deep, established bond with her two stepchildren, Cole and Ella Emhoff. When she married entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff in 2014, she stepped into a blended family dynamic that has frequently taken center stage during national campaigns. Instead of traditional labels, her stepkids affectionately call her "Momala," a nickname coined when the relationship first blossomed.
Understanding the family structure requires looking past political talking points to see how Cole and Ella grew up alongside Harris. Their modern family unit includes Doug's ex-wife, Kerstin Emhoff, who has frequently praised Harris for her cooperative co-parenting approach over the past decade.
Who Are Cole and Ella Emhoff?
Doug Emhoff shares his two children from his previous marriage to Kerstin: Cole, born in 1994, and Ella, born in 1999. Both children grew up primarily in Los Angeles, attending local schools before heading off to college and launching distinct creative careers.
Cole Emhoff graduated from Colorado College in 2017 with a degree in psychology. After finishing his undergraduate studies, he worked in the film industry, taking positions at companies like Plan B Entertainment. In 2023, he married his wife, Greenley Littlejohn, in a ceremony officiated by none other than his stepmother, Kamala Harris.
Ella Emhoff attended the Parsons School of Design in New York City, majoring in fine arts with a focus on textiles and apparel. She broke into the fashion and art world, gaining widespread attention when she wore a heavily embellished Miu Miu coat to the 2021 presidential inauguration. She routinely sells her handmade knitwear, paintings, and ceramics online, and signed a modeling contract with IMG Models.
The Origin of "Momala"
When Kamala and Doug began dating, Harris waited a couple of months before meeting Cole and Ella to ensure the relationship had serious potential. By the time she was introduced to them, they were teenagers.
In a personal essay for Elle, Harris described meeting the kids for the first time as the most important thing in her life at that moment. They quickly moved past the traditional "stepmom" label. The children didn't want a title that felt distant or clinical, so they came up with "Momala" as a portmanteau of her first name and the maternal title.
Kerstin Emhoff, the children's biological mother, has been vocal about supporting this dynamic. In statements to outlets like CNN, Kerstin emphasized that Harris has been a true co-parent, helping guide Cole and Ella through their teenage years and into adulthood.
Navigating Public Life and Media Scrutiny
Being part of a high-profile political family comes with intense public exposure. During national campaigns, Cole and Ella frequently spoke at events, starred in digital campaign videos, and defended their family against political attacks.
When political commentators targeted Harris with outdated tropes about not having biological children, both stepchildren pushed back publicly. Ella posted on social media to highlight that she already had three loving parents—her mom, her dad, and Momala.
Despite the rigorous Secret Service details and constant media scrutiny, the family has maintained close ties through weekly group chats and Sunday dinners. Growing up, Harris was known for running family dinners where she would quiz their friends on their ten-year plans, a running joke that turned into a fond family tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kamala Harris have biological children?
No, Kamala Harris does not have biological children. She is a stepmother to her husband Doug Emhoff's two children, Cole and Ella.
What do Kamala Harris's stepchildren call her?
They call her "Momala," a nickname they created together shortly after she married their father in 2014.
Who is the biological mother of Cole and Ella?
Their biological mother is Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer who maintains a close, collaborative co-parenting relationship with both Doug Emhoff and Kamala Harris.
What are Cole and Ella Emhoff's careers?
Cole works in film production and creative development, while Ella is an artist, fashion designer, and model who graduated from the Parsons School of Design.
