The Man Behind the First Lady: Doug Emhoff's Role in History

Doug Emhoff, at 59, is poised to make history as the first First Gentleman of the United States, should his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, win the 2024 presidential election. He's already broken barriers as the first Second Gentleman, a title reserved for the husband of the Vice President. But who is Emhoff, and what would he bring to the White House?

Emhoff's background is steeped in the world of law. As a former entertainment lawyer at DLA Piper, one of the world's largest law firms, he's represented a diverse clientele. His experience spans representing a studio executive accused of breach of contract and fraud in a blockbuster film, production companies, a former NFL athlete, a sports nutrition company, and even a national brand lotion accused of false advertising.

Since Harris joined the Democratic ticket in 2020, Emhoff took a leave of absence from his legal career to focus on his responsibilities as the prospective Second Gentleman. He's actively pursued advocacy for women's rights, taught law classes at the Georgetown University Law Center, and raised awareness about antisemitism through a roundtable he hosted with Jewish leaders across the US.

Emhoff and Harris met through a serendipitous connection. In 2013, one of Emhoff's clients, who was also Harris' best friend, set them up on a date. Emhoff, initially unfamiliar with Harris, was surprised to learn she was California's Attorney General, and his reaction was a simple, "Oh my god! She's hot!"

Their romance blossomed, and they were married in 2014 in Santa Barbara, California. Harris' sister, Maya, officiated the ceremony. This August marks their tenth anniversary.

Emhoff has two children, Cole and Ella, from his first marriage to film producer Kerstin Emhoff. Their names are a tribute to jazz legends John Coltrane and Ella Fitzgerald.

While Emhoff hasn't released an official statement on Harris' presidential bid, he expressed his support for President Joe Biden in a post on X, formerly Twitter. He wrote, "President Biden is a true patriot who leads our nation with honesty, decency, and integrity."

Doug Emhoff's journey from entertainment lawyer to potential First Gentleman is a testament to his commitment to public service and his unwavering support for his wife. His advocacy for women's rights, his commitment to fighting antisemitism, and his dedication to his family are all potential assets he could bring to the White House, should history be made in 2024.