Kamala Harris's husband is Douglas Craig Emhoff, an entertainment litigator who made history as the first male spouse of a United States vice president, serving as the nation's inaugural Second Gentleman from 2021 to 2025. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1964, Emhoff spent three decades practicing law at major firms before stepping away from his private practice to support his wife's political office and teach university law courses.
Their relationship began on a blind date in 2013 and led to a wedding the following year, blending their families and launching a unique partnership that navigated local California politics, the United States Senate, and national executive office.
Early Life and Legal Career
Douglas Emhoff was born on October 13, 1964, to parents Michael and Barbara Emhoff. After spending his early childhood in New York and New Jersey, his family relocated to Southern California when he was a teenager. He graduated from Agoura High School, earned his Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from California State University, Northridge, in 1987, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1990.
Emhoff spent nearly thirty years working as a commercial and entertainment litigator. He worked at prominent firms including Pillsbury Winthrop, Venable LLP, and DLA Piper, where he represented major corporate clients in intellectual property and media disputes. When Harris became vice president in 2021, Emhoff permanently left his private law partnership to avoid potential conflicts of interest. He transitioned into academia, joining the Georgetown University Law Center faculty as a distinguished visitor and later teaching at the USC Gould School of Law.
Meeting Kamala Harris and Family Life
The couple met in 2013 after a mutual friend set them up on a blind date. At the time, Harris served as the Attorney General of California. Emhoff sent an email following their initial connection laying out his schedule and expressing direct interest. They married on August 22, 2014, in a ceremony at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse officiated by Harris's sister, Maya.
The marriage marked Harris's first and Emhoff's second. Emhoff has two children from his previous marriage to film producer Kerstin Mackin: Cole and Ella. The children gave Harris the affectionate nickname "Momala", establishing a close blended family dynamic that both public figures frequently highlight.
Role as Second Gentleman
Stepping into the role of Second Gentleman brought unprecedented responsibilities. Emhoff chose to focus his public platform on several key domestic and international initiatives:
- Combating Antisemitism: As the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president, Emhoff used his position to highlight religious freedom, host Jewish holidays at the White House, and campaign against rising hate speech globally.
- Access to Justice: Drawing on his legal background, he advocated for legal aid and programs helping everyday citizens navigate complex legal systems.
- Gender Equity: He traveled across dozens of U.S. states and international countries to support equal rights, economic opportunity, and women in leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Doug Emhoff do before he was Second Gentleman?
Emhoff spent 30 years as a corporate and entertainment litigator. He served as a partner at major law firms, including Venable and DLA Piper, handling high-stakes intellectual property and commercial disputes.
How many children do Kamala Harris and Doug Emhoff have?
They share a blended family with Emhoff's two adult children from his previous marriage, Cole and Ella, who refer to Harris as "Momala". Harris does not have biological children of her own.
Where did Doug Emhoff go to college?
Emhoff earned his undergraduate degree from California State University, Northridge, in 1987 and his law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 1990.
Is Doug Emhoff still practicing law?
After stepping away from private practice during his tenure in the White House, Emhoff shifted his focus to teaching law at institutions like Georgetown University and USC, and later returned to private practice as a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher.
