PITTSBURGH, Pa. ― Vice President Kamala Harris stepped off Air Force 2, with her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, following closely behind.

As she greeted the crowd with a warm smile and wave, Harris grabbed the railing, and Emhoff offered his arm. While she holds one of the nation’s most powerful positions, she is also his wife.

Together, they navigated down the steps, showcasing their partnership.

Having supported his wife through key campaigns in recent years, Emhoff is now committed to helping her secure the presidency.

His support comes in various forms—sometimes it’s offering an arm, and other times it’s as simple as bringing her favorite chips.

“Ahh, Dougie,” Harris beamed at a gas station stop as Emhoff handed her a bag of nacho cheese Doritos, an essential snack on the campaign trail. “I know you wanted those,” he chuckled.

With the recent focus on Harris’s presidential run, Emhoff hasn’t been able to spend much time with her lately. Their discussions generally revolve around his experiences, movements, and insights from constituents, volunteers, and donors.

“I’m crawling over glass,” Emhoff shared with about sixty supporters at a Montgomery County Democratic Party event in Norristown last Sunday, as he rallied for Harris.

While Harris prepped for a debate with former President Donald Trump in Pittsburgh, Emhoff took to the campaign trail on her behalf.

Since Harris announced her late-entry campaign for the presidency, Emhoff has traveled extensively, leading fundraisers, rallies, and events to appreciate volunteers while she continues her vice presidential duties and works on campaign strategies in crucial states.

Emhoff presents a fresh take on what it means to be the second spouse of the nation, bringing humor and relatability as he supports Harris in her bid to become the first woman president. He engages in casual banter about his Fantasy football while also taking jabs at Harris’s Republican rival.

“The model of masculinity he’s presenting is one where you can still enjoy sports, hang out with friends, and defend your family while wholeheartedly supporting your wife as she takes on a significant leadership role,” said Jamal Simmons, Harris’s former communications director.

As Harris’s most trusted confidant and advocate on the campaign trail, Emhoff gathers insights and shares his experiences but generally refrains from advising her on policy matters, according to a dozen associates and former aides who contributed to YSL News, some of whom requested to remain anonymous.

He highlights his wife’s capability to lead, asserting she’s a “badass” who loves her country, understands business issues, and advocates for everyday Americans, even amidst intense media scrutiny and criticism from Trump.

“I admire him. His support for Kamala is precisely what I believe white men in America should be exhibiting. He exemplifies what it means to back a powerful woman,” said Carol Vinatieri, a Harris volunteer from Abington who is training to become a precinct captain.

Vinatieri, 33, attended the Norristown canvas launch with her husband, Josh Linder, 32, who noted that Emhoff’s background as a former entertainment lawyer makes him a “role model for men” like him.

As second gentleman, Emhoff has already demonstrated what it means to be a supportive partner. He left his position at the global law firm DLA Piper, where he was a partner, in 2020 after Harris and President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. He transitioned to teaching at Georgetown Law while dedicating much of his time to the Biden-Harris administration in his role as second gentleman.

His support for Harris ranges from personal gestures to official duties. When she had COVID, he shared a photo of her working from home. Following an incident where migrants were dropped off at the vice presidential residence in an attempt by GOP governors to make a political statement, Emhoff personally reached out to speak with them, showing compassion without prior approval from staff.

If they reach the White House, Emhoff would take on the role of first gentleman, expected to undertake responsibilities traditionally held by first ladies, such as hosting state dinners, organizing open houses, and selecting holiday decorations. Emhoff is Jewish and expresses his intention to place a mezuzah in their new home.

The role of the first lady has changed significantly throughout history. Jill Biden was the first presidential spouse to hold a paying job outside the White House. Emhoff might follow in her footsteps.

Traditionally, men have been viewed as the main earners in American households. However, Emhoff’s situation illustrates a shift, with more women now being the primary earners. According to Pew Research, 16% of married couples have a woman who earns more than her partner, a threefold increase since the 1970s.

Emhoff strives to avoid being overbearing. He aims for his rise to encourage men across the nation to understand that their identities can encompass more than just their jobs.

“I take pride in the work I do, and it is a vital part of my life. But there’s also pride in supporting my wife and creating a fulfilling life together,” Linder shared. “Seeing what Doug Emhoff has done serves as a significant example for me.”

Harris’ closest ally and strong supporter

Harris and Emhoff crossed paths in 2013 through a mutual friend. At the time, Emhoff was divorced and had two teenage kids, while Harris was serving as California’s attorney general. They immediately connected. Love blossomed for the couple in their forties, and they wed the following year, marking their 10th wedding anniversary on the evening Harris received the Democratic nomination.

Emhoff has always been supportive of Harris’ political goals. He joined her frequently during her 2019 presidential campaign and was an active fundraiser for Democrats ahead of the 2022 midterms.

As she takes the lead on the campaign, Emhoff’s role has become even more significant.

During one weekend, Emhoff attended three events in Pennsylvania, including an evening off at a Pearl Jam concert in Philadelphia with Governor Josh Shapiro.

He had just returned from a trip that involved Los Angeles, a fundraiser in Chicago, and a night in Pittsburgh, where he finally reunited with Harris.

“Even though we have limited time together, it’s not about leisurely conversations, it’s about getting back to work,” he remarked in Allentown on Saturday.

However, he returned to Pittsburgh the next night to join his wife. Hand in hand, Harris confidently stated she was prepared to take on Trump, while Emhoff headed off to North Carolina.

In just three weeks after Harris officially accepted the nomination, Emhoff has attended nine fundraisers that have brought in over $7 million. He has a tenth fundraiser scheduled in Mississippi this Friday. Additionally, he has participated in ten other political events, including one in Florida last Friday. He plans to rest only after voting concludes on November 6.

“A strong example of how men can support women in leadership,” said Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, as she addressed the audience in Norristown. “He demonstrates the true meaning of being an ally, someone who listens, advocates, and stands together in the pursuit of equality.”

His efforts regarding gender equity and abortion rights have aligned with the initiatives championed by his wife. Emhoff has mentioned that he embarked on this path at Harris’ encouragement, also dedicating his efforts to the Biden administration’s fight against antisemitism.

Similar to his wife, who appears more at ease as the nominee compared to her days as Biden’s running mate, Emhoff is now stepping firmly into the spotlight.

“They are now expressing their identities and are brave enough to take risks that genuinely reflect who they are,” remarked Ashley Etienne, a senior advisor from the Biden-Harris campaign of 2020, who subsequently worked with the vice president.

Emhoff has played an essential role in supporting Harris during their campaign, further enriching her presence in swing states. He spoke at a Jewish Democratic Council of America event in Chicago just as Harris accepted her party’s nomination, expressing that her journey has deepened his connection to his faith.

“The core of his advocacy is rooted in her backing,” stated Halie Soifer, JDCA’s executive director and a former Harris national security advisor. “He is promoting her policies.”

Former President Trump has tried to make Harris’ position on Israel a pivotal electoral issue, asserting during their debate that she harbors animosity towards Israel, a claim Harris firmly rejected.

Emhoff emphasized in his convention address that Harris “has dedicated her entire career to combating antisemitism and all forms of hatred.”

Isaac Kaufer, a 27-year-old from Somerville, Mass., and a full-time volunteer for Democrats, noted, “His being Jewish adds an extra layer of credibility when he speaks on these issues.”

Emhoff Highlights the Differences for Harris

Kaufer shared that Emhoff’s speech was among his favorites during the convention.

Emhoff recounted the awkward voicemail he left Harris before their first date, revealing that she makes him listen to it every anniversary—a practice he upheld again on the last day of the convention.

“His narrative was very vulnerable,” Kaufer remarked. “It stands in stark contrast to the Republicans.”

Harris, meanwhile, was not present; she was in Milwaukee at the time. She circled the convention venue in her plane to catch a glimpse of his address from above.

Emhoff candidly spoke about his previous marriage ending in divorce, with his son, Cole, addressing the split in a video produced by his ex-wife, Kerstin, who attended the DNC with Cole and daughter Ella, and has vocally supported Harris’ presidential quest.

“Our blended family wasn’t accustomed to the political arena. However, when Kamala became a senator, we were ecstatic to engage, particularly my dad,” Cole shared.

Emhoff frequently uses the term “blended family.”

“We’re doing just fine. Don’t worry about us,” he reassured an Allentown audience on Saturday after referring to Trump’s personal jabs at Harris. “We are together. We have that big, beautiful, blended family. We’ll be just fine.”

At a volunteer event in Norristown, Vinatieri noted that she received feedback from several independent voters who find it refreshing to see a family on the national stage that resembles their own.

“Everyday Americans, who chat with me during dinner time, express that they see themselves in her and in this family,” Vinatieri continued. “I believe that is profoundly impactful.”

Emhoff aspires that they will envision the first female president as well.

Francesca Chambers is a White House correspondent for YSL News. Follow her on X, previously Twitter, @fran_chambers.