Who is Kamala Harris’ husband? Introducing Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
Douglas Emhoff, 59, has already broken barriers in becoming the nation’s first Second Gentleman, a title reserved for the husband of the Vice President. But come January, Emhoff might also take on another inaugural role: First Gentleman of the United States.
But who exactly is Emhoff, and what assets would he bring to the White House?
A former entertainment lawyer at DLA Piper, one of the world’s largest law firms, Emhoff’s clients have included a studio executive accused of breach of contract and fraud over a blockbuster film, production companies, a former NFL athlete, a sports nutrition company, and a national brand lotion accused of false advertising, according to DLA Piper.
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After Vice President Kamala Harris joined the Democratic ticket, Emhoff took a leave of absence from his job to focus on his responsibilities as the prospective Second Gentleman. Since the 2020 presidential election, he has taken a leading role in advocating for women’s rights, taught law classes at the Georgetown University Law Center, and called attention to antisemitism through a roundtable he hosted with Jewish leaders from across the U.S.
How did Harris and Emhoff meet?
In 2013, one of Emhoff’s clients – who also happened to be Harris’ best friend – set the pair up on a date.
“Kamala Harris…. How do I know that name?” Emhoff asked Chrisette Hudlin, after she told him he and Harris would make a great couple. Reminded that Harris was, at the time, California’s attorney general, Emhoff exclaimed: “Oh my god! She’s hot!”
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Harris and Emhoff were married in 2014 in Santa Barbara, California where Harris’ sister, Maya, officiated at the ceremony. It was Harris’ first marriage and Emhoff’s second. This August, the couple will celebrate their tenth anniversary.
Happy birthday to my incredible wife and our MVP, @KamalaHarris. Today and every day, I feel so lucky to be by your side.
Love you! ?? pic.twitter.com/0awmsxNz7O— Doug Emhoff (@DouglasEmhoff) October 20, 2023
Emhoff shares two children, Cole and Ella, with his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, a film producer. The two children are named after jazz legends John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald.
What has Emhoff said about Harris’ bid for the presidency?
Though Emhoff has not released an official statement on Harris’ bid for the presidency, he thanked President Joe Biden for his leadership in a post on X.
“President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity,” Emhoff wrote. “Alongside@VP, they have fought tirelessly for families and communities, delivering for Americans across our nation. I am so proud of their accomplishments and thankful for their leadership.”
Maya Homan is a 2024 election fellow at USA TODAY, focusing on Georgia politics. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, as @MayaHoman.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Who is Kamala Harris' husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff?
