Douglas Craig Emhoff, born 13 October 1964 in Brooklyn, New York, became the first Second Gentleman of the United States (the title for a male spouse of the Vice President) in January 2021 when his wife Kamala Harris was sworn in as the 49th Vice President. He held the role through January 2025. He is also the first Jewish person to hold either of the two top spouse titles in US history.

His Parents

Father: Michael "Mike" Emhoff — Jewish-American shoe-business owner from Brooklyn.

Mother: Barbara Emhoff née Lakeman — American Jewish, social worker.

His Siblings

Andy Emhoff — elder brother.

Jamie Emhoff — sister.

His First Wife: Kerstin Emhoff

Kerstin Mackin Emhoff, born 1967, is an American producer (founder of Prettybird production company). They married in 1992, divorced in 2009.

His Children with Kerstin

Cole Emhoff, born 23 September 1994 — son; works in entertainment-industry creative production.

Ella Emhoff, born 17 June 1999 — daughter; model and knitwear designer; gained prominence at Kamala's 2021 inauguration.

His Wife: Kamala Harris

Kamala Devi Harris, born 20 October 1964 in Oakland, California — 49th Vice President of the United States (2021–2025); now a 2024 presidential nominee. Doug and Kamala married on 22 August 2014. Doug is Cole and Ella's stepfather's wife — they refer to her as "Momala."

The Emhoff Family Tree at a Glance

Parents: Mike Emhoff (Brooklyn shoe business); Barbara Lakeman Emhoff (social worker).

Siblings: Andy Emhoff; Jamie Emhoff.

First Wife: Kerstin Emhoff (Mackin); married 1992, divorced 2009.

Children with Kerstin: Cole Emhoff (b. 23 September 1994); Ella Emhoff (b. 17 June 1999).

Wife: Kamala Harris (b. 20 October 1964); married 22 August 2014.

Doug Emhoff:

  • Born 13 October 1964, Brooklyn, NYC
  • Cedar Grove High School, NJ; California State University, Northridge (BA, 1987); USC Gould School of Law (JD, 1990)
  • Entertainment lawyer at Pillsbury, Belin Rawlings & Badal; later DLA Piper (Partner)
  • First Second Gentleman of the United States, January 2021 – January 2025
  • Distinguished Visiting Professor, Georgetown Law from January 2025

What the Emhoff Family Story Teaches Us

A Brooklyn-shoe-business father. A social-worker mother. A brother and a sister. A first marriage that produced two children — a son in entertainment production and a daughter who became a model and designer. A second marriage to the Vice President of the United States. The first time in US history a husband held the spouse-of-the-VP title.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Emhoff story carries the same lesson. Step-relationships are real. Kamala calls Cole and Ella's relationship to her "Momala" — and the children publicly use the name. Write down step-parenting relationships honestly. They are part of how families are.

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