Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff reveal the sweet story of how they really met

Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff first met back in 2013

Democratic vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris and her husband Douglas Emhoff are seen at the stage during a campaign event at Alexis Dupont High School in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S
(Image credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria via Alamy)

Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff have shared the story of how they met - and it all started with a blind date. Kamala Harris made history last year after becoming the first woman, first Black woman and first Asian woman to be elected as Vice President of the United States. She is an inspirational figure to so many across the world. 

Throughout her campaign, Harris was also supported by her husband Doug Emhoff. He will become the first husband of a Vice President of the United States when she becomes Vice President on Inauguration Day

Now the couple have opened up about how exactly they came to meet each other. And the sweet story may not be exactly what you’d expect...

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How did Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff meet?

In an interview with CBS News, Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff spoke about when they first met back in 2013. 

When asked about it, Harris reportedly said: "Oh, that's so funny you asked me that question. So, yes, my best friend set us up on a blind date. And she said, 'Just trust me. Just trust me. Just don't …' You know, she wanted me to just kind of go into it, and she said, 'Don't Google him.' I did!"

When it came to organizing their first meeting, though, Emhoff revealed that he made the first move, though he needed a little help from a friend to get the wording perfect. 

"One of my buddies was in town, and we went to a Laker game. And so, you know, we [had] a couple of beers, I told him the story. I said, 'What do you think I should text her?' So, we sat there in the stands and we came up with this text, which was something like, 'Hey, it's Doug. Awkward! I'm texting you.'"

Following a few more exchanges, Emhoff disclosed that he called Harris. “I left this ridiculous voicemail, which she has saved and plays back to me on our anniversary every year,” he told CBS News, adding: “I thought I'd never hear from her again, but ..."

"But it was just, it was adorable," Harris responded, laughing. "And it was just, I mean, the thing about Doug is that he is exactly who he is. He's just fully authentic and clear about the things he cares about. And it's family, it's his work…"

"You," Emhoff then added to his wife’s beautiful statement.

When did Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff get married?

The couple married in 2014, a year after they met. Speaking of Harris’ impending role as Vice President of the United States, Emhoff revealed exactly how much he supports her. 

“I understand the role she’s taking and the role that Joe and Jill [Biden] are taking on too and become very close with them, so I support her and I support them and that’s important because what they’re doing is so much. And they’re walking into so many different crises”, he explained.

“I'm gonna do everything I can to help them," Emhoff went on to add. 

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!