Kamala Harris's Husband Doug Emhoff to Be First 'Second Gentleman'

Kamala Harris's Husband Doug Emhoff to Be First 'Second Gentleman'

When Kamala Harris makes history as the first woman and first Black U.S. Vice President, her husband Doug Emhoff will break his own new ground: as the original “second husband.”

Ms. Harris and Mr. Emhoff, who married in 2014 — she for the first time, he for the second — will also be the first mixed-race couple to occupy their positions. He is white while she is the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants. Both are 56.

The contours of Mr. Emhoff's new role as the nation's “second husband” — some prefer “second gentleman” — have yet to be determined; he has been vague about his plans so far.

Traditionally, the spouses of presidents and vice presidents have been expected to forge a careful balance of supportiveness and independence. Many pick a charitable cause to promote.

Mr. Emhoff, who was credited as a “secret weapon” on the campaign trail for his wife — even earning his own following on social media —is an accomplished lawyer specialising in media, sports and entertainment law.

He took leave in August from the multinational DLA Piper, which has lobbying offices in Washington. That could raise prickly conflicts of interest with Ms. Harris's work.AFP