Doug Emhoff acknowledges reports of an affair during his first marriage

WASHINGTON — Second gentleman Doug Emhoff appeared to acknowledge reports that he had an affair during his first marriage, prior to his relationship with Vice President Kamala Harris.

The allegations about Emhoff's affair first surfaced in the tabloid Daily Mail, and the second gentleman acknowledged the report in a statement.

“During my first marriage, Kerstin and I went through some tough times on account of my actions,” Emhoff said in a statement, which was first reported by CNN and later obtained by NBC News. “I took responsibility, and in the years since, we worked through things as a family and have come out stronger on the other side.”

Emhoff's affair was known to people who conducted the vetting process for Harris as she was considered to be Biden's running mate in 2020, according to a person familiar with the situation. The source also said Harris knew about the affair before she and Emhoff married.

Emhoff's first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, said in a statement that the two decided to end their 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,” she continued.

The vice president has not yet publicly discussed the reports of the affair.

Harris' campaign is vetting possible running mates over the weekend. On Tuesday, Harris plans to kick off a seven-state travel blitz with the running mate she chooses.