As the Democratic National Convention wrapped up for another election season, Kamala Harris, the presidential nominee, took center stage. However, before Kamala accepted the party’s nod on Thursday (Aug. 23), her younger sister, Maya Harris, briefly stole the spotlight. With Kamala potentially becoming the country’s next leader, curiosity about her family, especially Maya, has surged.
Maya Harris, like her older sister, boasts an impressive professional background in law. After earning her education at Stanford, she went on to serve as a senior policy adviser during Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. When Kamala ran for president in 2020, Maya was the chairperson of her campaign, showcasing the sisters’ strong bond and ability to work together seamlessly, told NPR.
During the DNC, Maya took a moment to honor their late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who has been a significant source of inspiration for both sisters. Addressing the crowd in Chicago, Maya shared, “Mommy understood the power and possibility that come from embracing your true self. She knew we could be the authors of our own stories, just as she had been, and she wanted Kamala and me to have that same opportunity.” Her heartfelt words resonated deeply, reflecting the influence their mother continues to have on their lives. “That’s a distinctly American story,” Maya added, reminding the audience of their mother’s enduring legacy, told USA Today.
Maya, who became a mother herself at 17, had her only daughter, Meena, early in life. Despite the challenges of teenage pregnancy, Maya prioritized her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California before pursuing law school. Her determination and resilience have become hallmarks of her career and personal life.
After her appearance at the DNC, Maya began trending online, with many people not only interested in her career but also in her youthful appearance. Social media users couldn’t help but comment on her looks, with one person humorously tweeting, “When you mix Black don’t crack and Asian don’t raisin you get a new strain of youth, apparently,” referring to Maya’s mixed Black and South Asian heritage.
Another user openly asked, “Yo, Maya, you single?” only to be met with a photo of her husband, Tony West, crushing the hopes of many admirers. “No she is not and her husband look like he fight,” they joked. West himself joined in on the fun, responding, “Appreciate you clarifying the situation, Brother Evans. And yes, he fight,” adding to the playful exchange.
Throughout the 2024 campaign, Maya’s husband, Tony West, has been a crucial supporter of Kamala Harris. With his extensive experience in the Department of Justice and corporate law, along with a wide network of influential contacts, West has been instrumental in securing high-profile endorsements and financial support for Kamala’s campaign. If Kamala wins the presidency, the nation will have plenty of opportunities to learn more about Maya Harris and her family over the next four years.