Emilie Kornheiser was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and was raised in New York.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from Marlboro College.

[2][3] She was appointed to the Vermont Commission on Women by Speaker Mitzi Johnson in 2017.

[4] Kornheiser defeated Valerie Stuart, a member of the Vermont House of Representatives who had not faced opposition during her tenure, in the 2018 primary and won without opposition in the general election.

[11] In 2024, Kornheiser sponsored legislation that would place a new tax on wealthy residents.