Kamala Harris’ Net Worth: From Public Service To Book Royalties And Investments

Vice President Kamala Harris has built a significant net worth of approximately $8 million, according to Forbes. Her wealth stems primarily from her long career in public service, book royalties, and strategic investments, alongside her husband, Douglas Emhoff, a former entertainment lawyer.

Career and Income Sources

Harris, 60, has dedicated most of her adult life to public service, beginning as the District Attorney of San Francisco before becoming California’s Attorney General and later serving as U.S. Senator. In 2020, she became the Vice President of the United States under President Joe Biden.

During her tenure as San Francisco District Attorney from 2004 to 2010, Harris earned around $200,000 annually. She accepted a pay cut when she transitioned to California Attorney General, with an annual salary of $159,000. In 2016, she was elected to the Senate, where she earned $174,000 per year. As Vice President, Harris now receives a salary of $235,100 annually.

Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, also 60, had a successful career as an entertainment lawyer for three decades before stepping back to support Harris in her political career.

Public Disclosures and Investments

Harris has consistently disclosed her income and assets in forms submitted to the Office of Government Ethics. According to the 2023 public disclosure report, Harris takes a conservative approach to investing, favoring passively managed index funds. These funds were part of two deferred compensation plans she accrued during her time working in California, alongside certain pension plans. Her total pension assets are valued at less than $1 million.

Emhoff also has a similar investment strategy, with over 30 investments, most of which are passively managed. Both Harris and Emhoff have cash holdings ranging from $850,000 or more, as indicated in their financial disclosures. An analysis of their combined assets, including retirement accounts and other investments, estimated their holdings at between $2.9 million and $6.6 million.

The couple also holds a family trust, named The KDH/DCE Family Trust, although the exact value of the trust is not disclosed in the public filing.

Gifts and Royalties

Among the more interesting entries in their financial disclosure forms is a gift from music superstar Beyoncé, who gifted Harris concert tickets valued at $1,655.92. This gift is notable as “Freedom” by Beyoncé is the campaign song for Harris’ presidential run, and the singer has publicly endorsed Harris.

Additionally, Harris received football game tickets worth $1,890 from ESPN for a game between Florida A&M University and her alma mater, Howard University.

Harris has earned more than $500,000 in royalties from her books, which include Smart on Crime, Superheroes are Everywhere (a 2019 children’s book), and her memoir The Truths We Hold.

Real Estate Holdings

Harris and Emhoff also own a home in Los Angeles valued at over $4 million, according to Forbes, adding to their overall wealth.

In summary, Harris’ financial portfolio is built on a steady stream of income from her public service roles, book earnings, royalties, investments in index funds, and various gifts. While her wealth is modest compared to some, it is the result of decades of public service and careful financial management.

anirudh