Ella Emhoff, the stepdaughter of Kamala Harris, endorsed New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani on Sunday just ahead of a rally at Brooklyn Steel.
The 25-year-old fashion designer, who lives in Brooklyn, showed her support during a lively event that evening, where hundreds of millennials and younger attendees gathered for Leftypol’s campaign gathering.
Emhoff, daughter of Doug Emhoff, shared a video on Instagram where she stood alongside Mamdani before his speech at Brooklyn Steel.
“I’m handing my phone to the next mayor of New York City,” she stated, referencing the social media trend of “passing the phone,” as she highlighted the mayor’s goals of making New York more affordable and enjoyable.
Although Emhoff did not speak at the event, Mamdani acknowledged her support later on social media.
“Ella Emhoff’s backing is appreciated in our efforts to make New York City more affordable,” remarked a lawmaker from Queens via Twitter on Sunday night.
Brooklyn Councillor Chi Osse also joined the video, calling Emhoff the quintessential “It” girl from the city.
Her endorsement came as other celebrities, including “Harold and Kumar” actor Kal Penn and comedian Jaboukie Young-White, attended the rally, which had a more festive atmosphere than typical campaign events.
About 2,000 supporters filled Brooklyn Steel, where volunteers distributed free yellow bandanas featuring New York-themed designs and set up photo booths. A long line formed as young supporters waited to take pictures at the booths.
The event also aimed to recruit more volunteers for Mamdani in the upcoming primary on June 24. The Campaign Field Manager even demonstrated how to canvass neighborhoods.
During his speech, Mamdani criticized President Trump and addressed mayoral rival Andrew Cuomo, advocating for rent freezes, universal childcare, and a grocery store owned by the city.
“We live in times of profound fear and despair,” he expressed.
“Many of us are burdened by expenses that keep rising, even as our paychecks barely keep up,” he added.
Mamdani has consistently been in second place, recently trailing behind Cuomo as the former governor attempts a political comeback.
