First Gentleman of the United States: History and Evolution
In the landscape of American politics, the role of the spouse to a head of state has traditionally been associated with the title of First Lady. However, as more women have ascended to leadership positions within state governments and the federal executive branch, the title of First Gentleman has emerged. This role serves as the male analogue to the First Lady, accorded to the husband or partner of a head of state.
Key Facts
- James E. Ferguson was the first man to formally serve as a First Gentleman in 1925.
- Doug Emhoff became the first Second Gentleman of the United States in 2021.
- Marlon Reis was the first same-sex partner to hold the title in 2019.
- New Hampshire holds the record for the most First Gentlemen, with four.
- The title is used analogously to the unofficial title of First Lady.
The Evolution of the Role
The emergence of the First Gentleman began at the state level. The first instance occurred in 1925 with James E. Ferguson. His path to the role was unique; he was a former governor of Texas who had been impeached and removed from office in 1917 on corruption charges before his wife, Miriam A. Ferguson, won the governorship.
As the 20th century progressed, the role evolved beyond former officeholders. In 1975, Thomas Grasso became the first man to serve as First Gentleman without having previously served as a governor, accompanying his wife, Connecticut Governor Ella T. Grasso.
The modern era has seen further expansion of the role's inclusivity. In 2019, Marlon Reis became the first same-sex partner of a sitting governor and the first same-sex partner to receive the title of First Gentleman, as the partner of Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
Federal Recognition: The Second Gentleman
While the title of First Gentleman has long existed in state governments, it reached the federal level in 2021. Doug Emhoff entered the history books as the first Second Gentleman of the United States upon his wife, Kamala Harris, assuming the office of Vice President.
State-Level Distribution
The prevalence of First Gentlemen varies significantly across the United States. While Arizona has elected the highest number of female governors (five), only three of those governors were married to a First Gentleman during their tenure.
Several states have seen multiple men hold the title. New Hampshire leads with four, followed by Arizona and Kansas with three each. Connecticut, Michigan, and Oregon have each had two First Gentlemen.
| State | Number of First Gentlemen |
|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 4 |
| Arizona | 3 |
| Kansas | 3 |
| Connecticut | 2 |
| Michigan | 2 |
| Oregon | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first formal First Gentleman in the U.S.?
James E. Ferguson was the first man to formally serve in this role in 1925, as the husband of Texas Governor Miriam A. Ferguson.
Who is the first Second Gentleman of the United States?
Doug Emhoff became the first Second Gentleman in 2021 when his wife, Kamala Harris, became the Vice President of the United States.
Which state has had the most First Gentlemen?
New Hampshire has had the highest number of First Gentlemen, with a total of four.
Who was the first same-sex partner to hold the title?
Marlon Reis, the partner of Colorado Governor Jared Polis, became the first same-sex partner to receive the title of First Gentleman in 2019.
Did all female governors in Arizona have a First Gentleman?
No. Although Arizona has had five female governors, only three of them were married to a First Gentleman while in office.