The political landscape across America is more diverse than ever before, particularly as we head toward the 2024 election. While Joe Biden was initially in the running against former POTUS Donald Trump, Kamala Harris stepped up to replace the Pennsylvania native. If voted in this November, the 59-year-old will be the first Black and South Asian female president. Every other White House leader has had a wife by his side, known as the First Lady, but if the Democrats continue their rule for another term, we’ll get to see how the first-ever First Gentleman – Doug Emhoff – handles the position.
Like his other half, Emhoff’s background is in law. However, he’s best known online as a “wife guy” who’s constantly showing love to Harris. The term applies because the father of two wouldn’t be famous if it weren’t for his proximity to the current vice president, but also because he signs his emails “Doug Emhoff (Kamala’s Husband).” He’s by far her biggest fan, and after spending almost four years in the role of Second Spouse, he’s undoubtedly ready for new adventures (and a promotion) by our Momala’s side.
What Does the First Spouse Do?
Before we talk more about Kamala Harris’ husband, it’s time for a history lesson. The First Spouse role was inventened in the 18th century with the initial responsibility of “serving as the President’s hostess at social events.” It wasn’t until Eleanor Roosevelt that a woman in the White House became a “public figure in her own right” and a few terms later, Jackie Kennedy acted similarly. Every First Lady since the latter has devoted herself to at least once cause, such as Jill Biden’s work with military families and cancer research.
As per Vox, since the current First Lady resumed teaching at a community college, we might see Emhoff continue his work at Georgetown University. He would be the first Jewish Spouse, and it’s likely speaking out against antisemitism will remain high on his priority list. Diversity in the White House has been a trend in recent terms, from Michelle and Barack Obama being the first Black POTUS and FLOTUS to Melania Trump (the first First Lady born outside America in nearly 200 years) shying away from public duties.
After the 2020 election, Emhoff made it a point to educate himself on previous Second Spouses in the Library of Congress. “I understand that I am the first gentleman to hold this role, and I certainly do not want to be last.” The New York native seems to be serious about a few things – supporting his wife on her climb to the top, learning as much as he can on the way and educating/empowering others (especially about reproductive health).
Kamala Harris’ Husband Came Into Her Life in 2013
Some find their soulmate in the form of a high school sweetheart, while others cross paths later on in life, like Harris and Emhoff. They met in 2013; “The moment I met Kamala, I know I was in love,” he recalled to GQ in a 2021 feature. By 2014, they were happily married, with the presidential candidate becoming a step-mom to Cole and Ella Emhoff, who she’s grown close to. Before settling down with his current partner, the Second Spouse was married to Kerstin Emhoff, who he divorced in 2009.
In the early years of their marriage, each partner cheered the other on in their respective pursuits. Things were heating up for Harris in 2020 as she picked as POTUS Joe Biden’s running mate. “I’m just, you know, a husband, and I’m here to tell people why I love Kamala,” Emhoff praised his wife at the time. That tone has remained consistent in the yeas since; “Lifting women up so that they can carry out important roles is a very manly thing,” he told the New York Times in 2022.
As she campaigns for the presidency in 2024, Kamala Harris’ husband’s voice has remained loud and proud. After Republican Vice President candidate JD Vance referred to the Democratic nominee as a “childless cat lady,” Emhoff had the perfect clap back. “You’re telling a lot of people in this country and this world that they don’t matter,” the professor told Vox Media of his diss.With over two months until voting day, we’re looking forward to more witty and thoughtful commentary from the Brooklyn native.
Did Doug Emhoff Cheat on His First Wife?
While most of the discourse around Emhoff is positive, in August 2024 he began feeling the heat of a past mistake resurfacing. Tabloids alleged that the Second Spouse cheated on his first wife, leading to their 2009 split. He addressed this to CNN, confirming that he had an affair. “During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions,” Emhoff’s statement said. “I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out together on the other side.”
Daily Mail reports it was with the family nanny, however other sources link the 59-year-old to a teacher at his daughter’s school. Regardless of what happened all those years ago, it’s obvious that Cole and Ella’s parents would rather leave it in the past. “Doug and I decided to end our marriage for a variety of reasons, many years ago. He is a great father to our kids, continues to be a great friend to me and I am really proud of the warm and supportive blended family Doug, Kamala and I have built together,” Kiersten shared.
As Slate reminds us, his past doesn’t mean that Emhoff loves his current wife any less. “Anyone who’s capable of thinking with a little nuance should be able to understand that Emhoff cheating on his first wife shouldn’t disqualify him from being a wife guy 15 years later. Relationships are complicated, people are capable of growth and change, and only the people involved know the full story,” they write.
Knowing all of this, do you think Kamala Harris’ husband should still be considered a “wife guy”? Let us know in the comments!