Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, could make history as America’s first-ever First Gentleman if Harris wins the 2024 presidential election. This possibility has come into focus after President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed Harris as the Democratic candidate.
Emhoff, born in Brooklyn in 1964, has been a lawyer for over 30 years. He met Harris on a blind date in 2013, and they married in 2014. As a Second Gentleman, Emhoff has focused on legal aid initiatives and combating antisemitism.
“President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity,” Emhoff wrote on social media, praising the current administration.
Doug Emhoff’s background includes:
- Growing up in New Jersey and later moving to Los Angeles
- Earning degrees from California State University and USC Law School
- A successful career in entertainment and intellectual property law
- Teaching at Georgetown Law since 2021
As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. Vice President, Emhoff has been vocal about his identity. He has led efforts against antisemitism, stating after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack,
“We witnessed a mass murder of innocent civilians. It was a terrorist assault, and there is never any justification for terrorism.”
If Harris becomes president, Emhoff’s role as First Gentleman would be unprecedented. He would likely continue his focus on legal aid and combating discrimination while supporting his wife’s administration.
Doug Emhoff’s children from his previous marriage, Cole and Ella, have a close relationship with Harris, affectionately calling her “Momala.”