The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›US Politics›Douglas Emhoff
Politics & World • US Politics

Douglas Emhoff

Douglas Craig Emhoff is an American lawyer and professor who served as the second gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Douglas Craig Emhoff is an American lawyer and professor who served as the second gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025. He is married to Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president of the United States, and was the first person to hold the second gentleman role. He is also the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president.

Early life and education

Douglas Emhoff was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 13, 1964, and spent part of his youth in New Jersey before his family moved to California. He studied at California State University, Northridge, and earned a law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law.

Emhoff worked as a lawyer for more than three decades, including in entertainment, sports, and media law. He held partner positions at major law firms before taking on public-facing duties as second gentleman.

Second gentleman of the United States

Emhoff became the first second gentleman when Kamala Harris took office as vice president in January 2021. In that role, he represented the administration at events and focused on issues including justice, equality, human rights, and antisemitism.

Later work and public profile

After his time in the White House role, Emhoff continued to be associated with legal education and public service. He is widely recognized for breaking precedent as the first male spouse of a U.S. vice president.

Key facts

  • Served as the first second gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025.
  • Married to Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president of the United States.
  • Worked as an attorney in entertainment law before entering public life.
  • Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in New Jersey and California.
  • First Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president.
🍁
Canadian context

Douglas Emhoff is relevant to Canadian readers mainly through U.S. politics and international news coverage of the Biden-Harris administration and Kamala Harris's public role.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Douglas Emhoff?
Douglas Emhoff is an American lawyer and professor best known for serving as the first second gentleman of the United States from 2021 to 2025.
Why is Douglas Emhoff historically notable?
He was the first man to serve as the spouse of a U.S. vice president, making him the first second gentleman.
Who is Douglas Emhoff married to?
He is married to Kamala Harris, the 49th vice president of the United States.
What is Douglas Emhoff's background?
He was born in Brooklyn, New York, studied in California, and built a career in law before entering public life.
What did Douglas Emhoff do before becoming second gentleman?
He worked as a lawyer, including in entertainment, sports, and media law, and later taught law.
Is Douglas Emhoff Jewish?
Yes. He is the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. vice president.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Doug-Emhoff
    Supports: Birth date, occupation, role as second gentleman, marriage to Kamala Harris, and historical firsts.
  2. The White House (archived) — https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/douglas-emhoff/
    Supports: Birthplace, education, family background, and role as second gentleman.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug_Emhoff
    Supports: Basic biographical details, office dates, and historical firsts.
  4. USC Gould School of Law — https://gould.usc.edu/faculty/profile/douglas-emhoff/
    Supports: Current faculty title and professional background.