The former vice president’s husband once assumed their first meeting would be the last time he ever heard from her. However, he clearly made a lasting impression — one strong enough for her to later share her thoughts about him.
Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff—a distinguished lawyer and professor—have been happily married for a decade. Their love story began with a fateful blind date, orchestrated by Doug’s best friend, setting the stage for a partnership built on support, ambition, and shared laughter. 💙✨
The couple’s journey began in 2013 when Kamala Harris took a leap of faith and agreed to a blind date. But before meeting Doug Emhoff, curiosity got the best of her—she secretly looked him up online, a detail she later confessed during a “CBS Sunday Morning” interview in January 2021. To Doug’s surprise, this was news to him!
At the time, Doug was a successful lawyer based in Los Angeles, while Kamala was already making waves as California’s attorney general. Eager yet a little unsure, Doug turned to a friend for advice during a Lakers game. Encouraged to make the first move, he crafted a text with a touch of humor:
“Hey, it’s Doug. Awkward, I’m texting you.”
That simple message set everything in motion. And even though Kamala is a die-hard Golden State Warriors fan, she played along with his Lakers enthusiasm. Doug fondly recalled her lighthearted response:
“Yay, Lakers! Go Lakers!”
And just like that, their love story began. 💙✨
The morning after their first date, Doug left a heartfelt voicemail—one so special that Kamala saved it and replays it for him every year on their anniversary. But he didn’t stop there. He also sent an email with a simple yet sincere message:
“I really like you.”
Looking back, Doug admitted, “I thought I’d never hear from her again.” But Kamala saw something different—something real.
“It was adorable,” she recalled. “The thing about Doug is that he is exactly who he is—fully authentic and clear about the things he cares about.”
And that honesty was the spark that set their love story in motion. 💙✨
Doug’s worries quickly faded as their connection deepened. Less than a year after their first date, in a moment as spontaneous as their love, he surprised Kamala by getting down on one knee—right in the middle of her debating whether to order chicken or shrimp pad Thai.
By October 2014, they officially became husband and wife, embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.
As the years passed, their bond only grew stronger. In October 2020, Doug celebrated Kamala’s birthday with a heartfelt message on X, reflecting on the life they had built together:
“[…] Through it all, no matter what, she is ALWAYS there for me and our family without hesitation. Happy Birthday to my amazing wife @KamalaHarris!”
A love story built on authenticity, partnership, and a little bit of pad Thai. 💙✨
Doug has always made a point of celebrating their milestones with the world. For their 10th wedding anniversary in August 2024, he took to X to reflect on the magical moment they met, calling it “love at first sight.”
“Ten years of marriage, forever to go. Happy anniversary,” he wrote, sharing a heartfelt montage of their journey together—a testament to their enduring love.
As their lives continued to evolve, so did the challenge of balancing their time. With Kamala serving as the 49th Vice President of the United States, she and Doug made adjustments, ensuring their connection remained strong despite their busy schedules. After all, love is about finding the time, no matter how hectic life gets. 💙✨
Doug often describes their relationship as a true partnership, where planning and balance are key. Their mornings usually kick off with a shared workout, followed by a meaningful conversation about organizing their day ahead.
Amid their busy lives, they always make room for the little things—scheduling time for dinner together and staying on top of everyday tasks like laundry and sorting through mail. No matter how demanding their roles may be, these simple responsibilities are a grounding constant in their life. 💙✨
Balancing their professional and personal lives has always been a top priority for Doug and Kamala. At both the start and end of each day, they made a conscious effort to be a couple first, rather than focusing on their high-profile roles as Vice President and Second Gentleman.
Their mornings were more structured, with quick check-ins before diving into their busy schedules. But evenings were their sacred time—reserved for personal moments when they could relax and talk about family, their dreams, and everything beyond the demands of their public lives. It’s these moments that keep their connection strong. 💙✨
Kamala cherished the rare moments they had together at home in Washington, D.C., calling them absolutely essential. She often credits Doug’s patience, humor, and easygoing nature for helping them weather the pressures of their demanding roles.
She lovingly refers to him as “Dougie” and believes that laughter is what keeps them grounded, especially when navigating high-stakes decisions. Not taking themselves too seriously is something she sees as a key to their strong partnership. While Doug wasn’t an official adviser, he was always her trusted sounding board—someone she could rely on as both a partner and confidant. 💙✨
As Kamala prepared to take office as Vice President, Doug made a major decision—he stepped away from his law firm in the weeks leading up to the inauguration, a pivotal moment in their journey.
At the time, his role as the country’s first Second Gentleman was still undefined, but Doug wasted no time, working alongside the transition team to support President-elect Joe Biden’s agenda. With over a decade of experience as a corporate lawyer, having represented major companies like Merck and Dolarian Capital, Doug brought a wealth of expertise and insight to this new chapter, eager to make an impact in his own right. 💙✨
Stepping away from his legal career opened the door to a new and exciting chapter for Doug. In December 2020, Georgetown Law announced that Doug would join its faculty in January 2021. “I’ve long wanted to teach and serve the next generation of young lawyers,” he shared. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Georgetown community.”
Doug’s role at Georgetown Law quickly expanded beyond his initial appointment. As of January 2025, he continues to serve as an adjunct professor at the university’s law center in Washington, D.C., where he imparts his knowledge to aspiring lawyers. Alongside his teaching, Doug remains deeply involved in civic engagement, supporting initiatives that uplift and benefit local communities. 💙✨
Doug’s career isn’t the only focus in his life—family is truly at the heart of everything he does. While he and Kamala don’t have children together, they’ve built a beautiful blended family. Doug has two children, Ella and Cole, from his previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff.
Kamala once shared her reflections on the careful approach they took when introducing her to the kids. “So, we took it slow, and Doug and I put a lot of thought into when and how I would first meet the kids. And that meant waiting. As we waited, anticipation grew. When the day finally came, I had butterflies in my stomach,” she recalled with warmth in an interview. 💙✨
For their first meeting, they chose a relaxed spot along the Pacific Coast Highway — the Reel Inn, a beloved seafood restaurant that had become a favorite of Cole and Ella.
The moment they met, Cole and Ella embraced Kamala with open arms. She described them as brilliant, talented, and funny, adding that they’d blossomed into remarkable adults. While Kamala had already grown deeply fond of Doug, she confessed, “I believe it was Cole and Ella who reeled me in.”
Kamala’s connection with Cole and Ella extended seamlessly to their mother, Kerstin. She admired her role as a parent, saying, “To know Cole and Ella is to know that their mother Kerstin is an incredible mother.” The bond between the women grew strong quickly, as they cheered together at Ella’s swim meets and basketball games — often to Ella’s embarrassment. Kamala even joked that their blended family was almost too functional.
When Kamala and Doug got married, she, Cole, and Ella decided that “stepmom” just didn’t feel right. Instead, they created a more personal and endearing title: “Momala.” For Kamala, the name was more than just a nickname—it was a cherished gift from the kids. “It’s the name the kids gave me, and I wear it proudly,” she shared with a warm smile. 💙✨
