With Kamala Harris set as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee, attention is turning to her close relationships, including those with her husband, stepchildren, and sister, Maya Harris.
Maya took the stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention on August 22 in Chicago, starting her speech by reflecting on their bond and their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan Harris. She expressed pride in seeing Kamala as the nominee, quoting their mother’s teachings: “She raised us to believe that we could be and do anything, and we believed her.” Maya emphasized their mother’s understanding of the importance of authenticity and encouraged her daughters to write their own narratives.
Maya praised Kamala’s leadership qualities, highlighting her commitment to fighting for every individual’s freedom. She pointed out that Kamala, like many Americans, has experienced being underestimated.
Maya Harris has played a significant role in Kamala’s personal and professional life, serving as the campaign chair during her first presidential run in 2020. Kamala once referred to her sister as one of the smartest individuals she knows.
The Harris sisters share an “unbreakable” bond that developed during their childhood after their parents’ divorce. They lived with their mother in Montreal, where the experience of being outsiders brought them closer together.
Maya is also a lawyer, having graduated from Stanford Law School. She has worked in civil litigation and has held various positions focusing on policy, civil rights, and justice, including serving as the vice president at the Ford Foundation and leading the ACLU of Northern California.
Maya has previously contributed to two presidential campaigns, having served as a senior policy adviser to Hillary Clinton during her 2016 campaign in addition to her work with Kamala.
In a notable personal moment, Maya officiated Kamala’s wedding to Doug Emhoff in 2014.
Maya became a mother at a young age, giving birth to her daughter, Meena, as a teenager. In interviews, she has praised Meena’s qualities and reflected on her experience as a single mother.
Meena played a pivotal role in introducing Maya to her husband, Tony West, when she was a child during a game of hide-and-seek on campus.
Maya Harris is also a proud grandmother to two granddaughters, Amara and Leela. She has expressed joy in the role of grandmother, appreciating the love without the responsibilities of parenting.
Maya has openly discussed her battle with lupus in an essay, detailing the severe physical effects of the illness and sharing her journey of maintaining privacy about her condition for years.
Meena Harris has written a children’s book about the influential women in her life, including her mother and aunt, titled “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.” She explained her motivation was to reflect on how these strong figures shaped her understanding of purpose and resilience.