Election night photos: Berkeley candidates danced and drank while Kamala Harris’ home was quiet

A bartender pours a drink at the election night watch party for Ben Bartlett at Yeti Sports Bar and Restaurant in South Berkeley. Credit: Adahlia Cole

Tuesday’s election was historic to Berkeley on many fronts, with 11 local seats up for grabs and Kamala Harris, a daughter of the city, defeated in her race for president. 

Berkeleyside sent a team of four photographers to document local watch parties and other scenes around Berkeley.  

Sophie Hahn, who holds a narrow lead in the mayoral race, and Shoshanna O’Keefe, on the verge of claiming Hahn’s North Berkeley seat on the City Council, hosted friends and supporters together at Gather restaurant. 

Adena Ishii, who trails Hahn for mayor but remains within striking distance as mail-in ballots continue to be counted, hosted friends and family at her home, where the energy was positive and upbeat even after initial results showing her in second place. 

Ben Bartlett, who is currently on track to keep his South Berkeley seat on the council, danced the night away with his daughter at Yeti Sports Bar surrounded by friends, family and supporters. While Brent Blackaby, on the path to succeed Susan Wengraf in representing the hills, and Terry Taplin, who appears to be holding onto his Southwest Berkeley seat, had a joint party at El Patio Bar & Grill on San Pablo Avenue. 

The energy at the local watch parties was in stark contrast with the scene at one of the childhood homes of Kamala Harris. When she was elected vice president four years ago, people gathered in the street outside in celebration. However, Tuesday night, the home remained dark and silent.

Sophie Hahn speaks to friends and supporters gathered at the joint watch party for Hahn and Shoshana O’Keefe at Gather restaurant. Credit: Kelly SullivanThe crowd at the watch party for Hahn and O’Keefe. Credit: Kelly SullivanHahn with her campaign co-chair Tawab Malekzad. Credit: Kelly SullivanAdena Ishii at an election night watch party she held at her home in South Berkeley. Credit: Adahlia ColeIshii gives a speech to friends and supporters. Credit: Adahlia ColeKate Harrison holds up a photo of her mom, saying she would have been proud, at her watch party at Cafe Leila. Credit: Colin PeckBen Bartlett dances with his daughter at his election night watch party at Yeti Sports Bar. Credit: Adahlia ColeBartlett poses for a portrait with supporters, family and friends. Credit: Adahlia ColeTerry Taplin hugs Brent Blackaby at a joint election night watch party at El Patio Bar & Grill in West Berkeley. Credit: Colin PeckBlackaby greets supporters. Credit: Colin PeckJesse Arreguín talks to friends and supporters at his election night watch party at Mad Oak ‘N’ Yard in Oakland. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/CatchLight LocalDonald Lathbury, a close friend and supporter of Arreguín, reviews the results Alameda County registrar’s website at Arreguín’s watch party. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/CatchLight LocalThe scene outside the home at 1227 Bancroft Way where presidential candidate Kamala Harris lived as a young girl was quiet on election night, as results went against her. Credit: Ximena Natera, Berkeleyside/CatchLight Local