Meet the First Second Gentleman, Kamala Harris' Husband Douglas Emhoff

Author:
Jessica Sager
Jan 20, 2021

Kamala Harris' husbandDouglas Emhoff, is one of the most adoring political spouses ever—and he will be a first in two major ways: Emhoff is the first second gentleman, as well as the first Jewish spouse to a vice president. Get to know the man who stole the first female, Black and Asian American Vice President's heart.

Kamala Harris' Husband Douglas Emhoff

How did Kamala Harris meet her husband, Douglas Emhoff?

Kamala Harris met Douglas Emhoff on a blind date. Their mutual friend, Chrisette Hudlin, set them up after Emhoff told her that he'd seen Harris at an event and thought she was "really hot." Hudlin explained to Marie Claire, "He was complimenting her, and at the same time he was admiring her, and I liked that. I thought, 'Oh, what’s your deal?'"

Emhoff reportedly left Harris a rambling voicemail before their first date, which Harris saved and replays on their anniversary each year. The day after their first date, Emhoff emailed Harris, writing, "I really like you."

When did Kamala Harris' husband Douglas Emhoff propose?

According to Marie Claire, Emhoff got down on one knee and popped the question during a mundane conversation with Harris over what to have for dinner in March 2014. It was less than a year after their first date.

When did Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff get married?

Harris and Emhoff tied the knot on Aug. 22, 2014 in a courthouse ceremony.

Do Kamala Harris and Douglas Emhoff have kids?

Harris and Emhoff don't have biological children together, but Emhoff has two adult children from his previous marriage, son Cole and daughter Ella.

Is Kamala Harris a mother?

Harris is a proud stepmom and "Momala" to Emhoff's adult children, Ella and Cole. Harris was a child of divorce, and she wrote in Ellethat her own experience made her and Emhoff take great care and respect when introducing her to Cole and Ella.

"We took it slow, and Doug and I put a lot of thought into when and how I would first meet the kids. And that meant waiting. As we waited, anticipation grew. When the day finally came, I had butterflies in my stomach," she wrote. Harris said they planned to meet at seafood restaurant and that she brought a tin of cookies with a ribbon (which she said was probably a little "extra").

It went beautifully.

"Cole and Ella could not have been more welcoming. They are brilliant, talented, funny kids who have grown to be remarkable adults," Harris recalled. "I was already hooked on Doug, but I believe it was Cole and Ella who reeled me in."

When did Kamala Harris' husband Douglas Emhoff get divorced?

Emhoff married his first wife, Kerstin Mackin, in 1992. They divorced in 2008. Harris, Emhoff and Mackin have a great co-parenting relationship and friendship. Harris wrote in Elleof their blended family, "Kerstin and I hit it off ourselves and are dear friends. She and I became a duo of cheerleaders in the bleachers at Ella’s swim meets and basketball games, often to Ella’s embarrassment. We sometimes joke that our modern family is almost a little too functional."

Where is Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff from?

Emhoff was born in Brooklyn. He spent part of his childhood in New Jersey before moving to California when he was 17 years old.

What does Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff do for a living?

Emhoff is an entertainment lawyer. One of his most high-profile cases involved the famous Taco Bell chihuahua. He recently took a leave of absence from his firm, however, to support Harris (and, according to The Washington Post, due to a possible conflict of interest between his firm and her office). He will officially leave his firm in January 2021 to work with President Biden and Vice President Harris' administration, The Hill reports, but it's unclear in what capacity.

What is Kamala Harris' husband Douglas Emhoff's religion?

Emhoff is Jewish.

Did Kamala Harris' husband Doug Emhoff help her campaign?

Emhoff was profoundly proud and supportive of Harris throughout both her campaigns in both the Democratic primary and for Vice President alongside now-President-Elect Joe Biden. “Our relationship and the way I roll, my whole life has just been to support the people I love unequivocally, and they support me,” Emhoff told Marie Claire. “The whole thing has been based on parity and mutual respect.”

One particular time that Emhoff really showed his support and protectiveness of Harris was when an animal rights protester stormed the stage and took her microphone. Check out Emhoff at the end escorting the man offstage and looking fierce.

He later tweeted of the incident, "Thx for all the kind notes. We are good. I love ⁦@KamalaHarris⁩ and would do anything for her."

Future First Lady Dr. Jill Biden in particular is a fan of Emhoff, telling Marie Claire, “Not a lot of people know what it’s like to be on the other side of this as a candidate’s spouse. It’s not a role you seek out—but it’s an incredible honor and a powerful platform. I promised myself I wouldn’t waste it, and I know Doug won’t either. I can’t wait to see the great things he does as our first second gentleman.”

Next, watch Lady Gaga’s rendition of the National Anthem at the 2021 Inauguration.