Vice President Kamala Harris, known for her work in public service and her role in the Biden administration, has seen a notable increase in her wealth during her time in office. With President Joe Biden stepping down from the 2024 presidential race and endorsing Harris, 59, as his successor, interest in her financial status has surged.
According to Forbes and recent financial disclosures, the former prosecutor’s net worth combined with that of her husband, successful entertainment lawyer Doug Emhoff, is currently estimated at $8 million. This figure represents an increase from $7 million in 2021 and from $6 million in 2019.
Before her marriage, the highest annual income Harris reported was $263,000 in 2010. After becoming California attorney general the following year, her reported income dropped to less than $160,000 annually for 2011, 2012, and 2013, according to ABC News.
Breakdown of Harris’ Wealth
Salaries: Harris has built her financial portfolio through various public service roles, including her time as San Francisco district attorney, attorney general of California, junior U.S. senator from California, and now vice president. Her annual salary as vice president is $235,100.
In December 2020, Emhoff left his law firm and later joined the faculty at Georgetown University’s law school, where he earns nearly $200,000 per year.
This career change led to a significant drop in the couple’s income, from over $3 million in 2019 to approximately $450,000 in 2023.
Book Deals: Harris has authored several books, including “Smart on Crime,” “The Truths We Hold,” and “Superheroes Are Everywhere.” These publications have contributed significantly to her income, with book deals reportedly earning her more than $500,000 before taking office. For her memoir, “The Truths We Hold,” she received an advance of more than $300,000, according to financial documents. In 2023, she reported about Around $6,000 from book royalties, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Investments and Real Estate: Harris and her husband own a luxurious $4.4 million home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. It’s the only property they currently own. The 3,500-square-foot home in Brentwood features four bedrooms and is located less than a mile from Sunset Boulevard. Emhoff purchased it in 2012, and transferred it into a trust managed by both after their marriage. The property has a $2 million mortgage, taken out in 2020, with terms allowing them to pay only interest until 2030 and locking in low interest rates until 2027, according to Bloomberg. The mortgage rate is 2.625%, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Their real estate holdings, combined with investments in cash, index funds, and bonds, form a significant part of their net worth.
In 2014, her husband owned shares in at least 30 companies, including Home Depot, St. Jude Medical, Comcast, and American Express, according to his statement of economic interest, a form required for California employees, ABC News reports.
After Harris announced her Senate run in 2015, Emhoff sold off many of his stocks, including those in CVS Health and Oracle.
Pensions: Harris is set to receive approximately $8,200 in monthly payouts from her California pensions starting later this year. Additionally, federal pension payments are expected to commence in 2026.
Speaking Engagements: Before becoming vice president, Harris was a highly sought-after political speaker, earning substantial fees for her engagements.
Financial Disclosures and Future Prospects
Harris’ financial disclosures from 2023 reveal a complex picture of her finances, with assets ranging from $2.89 million to $6.84 million and liabilities between $1 million and $5 million, GoBankingRates reports. Her net worth includes substantial pensions and real estate holdings, while her investments and book deals play a role in her financial growth.
