Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris, shared that she felt a sense of “trauma” while voting in the recent New York City mayoral primary. Emhoff said the experience brought back emotional memories because she cast her ballot at the same polling station where she had previously voted for Harris during the 2024 presidential election — an election Harris lost to Donald Trump.
In a video posted on social media, Emhoff said, “I’m feeling a little trauma walking to the same polling station that I did to vote for Kamala. But I’m also feeling a lot of hope right now.”
After voting, she posted an update: “We did it. I’m feeling a huge mix of emotions. I’m really nervous. I’m also so hopeful. It’s been amazing seeing New York come together in this way and rally behind Zohran. Let’s do this, guys.”
The candidate she referred to, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D), declared victory in the Democratic primary, calling his campaign a historic moment. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who also ran in the primary, conceded, saying, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.”
Mamdani, a self-identified democratic socialist, has drawn attention for his progressive platform, including a proposal to create city-run grocery stores to address food affordability. According to his campaign website, these stores would operate without profit motives, helping reduce prices through centralized distribution and tax exemptions.
He has also made controversial statements, including that “queer liberation means defund the police.”
Mamdani’s campaign has received endorsements from progressive figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT), who congratulated him and his supporters, saying, “You took on the political, economic and media establishment—and you beat them.”
Mamdani will move on to the general election, where he is expected to be a strong contender in the heavily Democratic city.
