The Truth About Kamala Harris' Relationship With Her Stepchildren
Kamala Harris has a lot to be proud about. The Howard University alumna made history on Aug. 11, 2020 by becoming the first Black and South-Asian American woman to be named a vice presidential candidate on a major party ticket. In addition, Harris has a long-standing career in politics and criminal justice, formerly serving as the Attorney General of California and one of the state's two U.S. Senators. But even with an extensive professional resume like hers, her relationship with her husband and stepchildren is what's truly admirable.
Prior to meeting Douglass Emhoff, her husband of five years, Harris did not have any children of her own. After they met, Harris became a stepmom to Emhoff's two children, Cole and Ella. In addition to having a tight-knit relationship with Emhoff's kids, Harris has a great relationship with their mother and Emhoff's ex-wife, Kerstin. The two have been great friends since Harris entered Cole and Ella's lives.
"She and I became a duo of cheerleaders in the bleachers at Ella's swim meets and basketball games, often to Ella's embarrassment. We sometimes joke that our modern family is almost a little too functional." Harris told Elle.
Here's everything you need to know about Kamala Harris' relationship with her stepchildren.
Kamala Harris' stepchildren don't call her 'stepmom
When Kamala Harris first met her husband Douglass Emhoff, they both decided it was best to take some time before she met Cole and Ella. In an essay she penned for Elle, Harris explained that she wanted to be certain she was in her relationship with Emhoff for the "long haul" before entering his children's lives.
"Children need consistency; I didn't want to insert myself into their lives as a temporary fixture because I didn't want to disappoint them," Harris said. "There's nothing worse than disappointing a child."
Harris officially became their stepmom when she and Emhoff tied the knot in 2015. However, Cole and Ella don't call Harris by 'stepmom.' Instead, both Emhoff's children call Harris "Momala" in mutual agreement that "we didn't like the term 'stepmom.'"
Harris speaks highly of Cole and Ella, because their accomplishments and talents are just as remarkable as her own. According to a 2018 Vogue article, Cole was working as an assistant at William Morris Endeavor, a Beverly Hills talent and media agency, at that time. Meanwhile, Ella is a student at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she majors in apparel and textiles, according to her LinkedIn.
At a campaign appearance with Joe Biden in August 2020, Harris gushed over the nickname given to her by Cole and Ella, per Vogue. She said: "I've had a lot of titles over my career and certainly vice president will be great. But Momala will always be the one that means the most."