Kamala Harris' net worth and husband's huge salary as US goes to the polls

Kamala Harris will be hoping to see off competition from as America goes to the polls tomorrow (November 5).

The 60-year-old became the Democrat's choice on the ballot paper after current US President stepped aside, citing health reasons. Harris has served as Vice President since the 2021 election, which saw Trump lose the Oval Office.

Born in Oakland, California, Harris built a successful law career having been appointed as a deputy district attorney in 1990. Having gained a reputation as a successful prosecutor, dealing with cases such as homicide, sexual assaults and burglary, she ran for District Attorney of San Francisco in 2002.

Winning with 56 percent of the vote, she became the first person of colour to hold the role. She was later elected attorney general of California in 2010 before becoming US Senator for .

It was during her legal career that Harris met fellow attorney Doug Emhoff, marrying in 2014. Harris is stepmother to Emhoff's two children with his ex-wife film producer Kerstin Emhoff.

And while the world's eyes will be on Harris as she vies for the White House, some things will remain relatively unknown about the presidential nominee. One of these would be her net worth, which comes largely thanks to her glistening legal career and marriage to her hotshot husband.

What is Kamala Harris' net worth?

, Harris and Emhoff are estimated to have a net worth of around $8 million - approximately £6.2 million. Her annual salary as vice-president is around $235,000 a year, approximately £181,000.

Should she win the US election, she would see that figure skyrocket to around $400,000 a year - around £308k a year. It would also mean a move from the vice-president's accommodation to the White House.

Forbes reports the couple's net worth has largely been boosted by their legal careers and property assets. In 2012, it says Harris and her sister sold their late mother's condo in Oakland, bringing in $710,000 (approximately £550k).

And after becoming vice-president she sold her San Francisco apartment for $860,000 (£662k). Emhoff meanwhile was said to be earning around $1m-a-year (£770k) as a lawyer.

Who is Doug Emhoff?

Doug Emhoff was admitted to the California State Bar in 1990. He opened his own law firm with fellow lawyer Ben Whitwell a decade later before eventually selling up to Venable LLP in 2006.

It is thought he was earning his $1m-a-year salary in 2019. That is quite a bulk more than the highest Kamala Harris has earned in a year. He now teaches law at Georgetown University, having largely scaled back his three-decade legal career.

The university says he specialised in media, entertainment, and Intellectual Property matters. He had been working at DLA Piper previously but reportedly left 2020 to avoid conflicts of interest due to the firm's lobbying interests.

According to The Standard, he said: "I'm humbled, I'm honored to have put it all on hold - my career, family life, everything."

How does Kamala Harris' net worth compare to Donald Trump's?

While Harris has a comfortable nest egg, it pales in comparison to her presidential rival. Donald Trump is estimated to be worth around $5.6bn (£4.3bn).

The puts the former United States president at 591st in the list of richest people in the world. Fellow forecasters Bloomberg predicted Trump had $6.65bn (£5.1bn) last month however.

Trump's fortune largely comes from real estate and his Trump Media & Technology Group company, which saw a huge jump in value following recent rallies. He is said to own mansions, a winery, a golf course, a private jet nicknamed Trump Force One, hotels and commercial buildings among others.

How does Kamala Harris' net worth compare to Joe Biden and other presidents?

Harris and Emhoff's fortune of $8 million - around £6.2 million - is similar to current president Joe Biden, who along with wife Jill, is estimated to be worth (£7.7 million). Biden's net worth is said to come from real estate, his presidential salary, pensions and annuities and book royalties among other things.

Their net worth is said to have increased by around a quarter since Biden took office. Meaning they were in a similar position to Harris and Emhoff prior to the 2021 election.

Former President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are now said to be worth around $70 million (£54 million) after leaving the White House. The Obamas have seen their fortune grow thanks to lucrative book and Netflix deals.

Barack has released a number of books while the couple's Higher Ground Productions company struck a deal with streaming giant Netflix in 2018. The firm aims to promote diversity in entertainment.