In a dramatic turn for Brooklyn’s political landscape, Council Member Inna Vernikov clinched a sweeping victory in the Republican primary for City Council District 48 on August 13, 2025, defeating former Council Member Ari Kagan by a commanding 32% margin. The race, one of the most contentious and polarizing in recent borough history, left the southern Brooklyn GOP visibly fractured, with party officials, community leaders, and voters choosing sides—or, in some cases, opting for silence.
Kagan, who had previously lost a re-election bid in the redrawn 47th Council District to Democrat Justin Brannan, entered the CD48 primary expecting Vernikov to step aside for a rumored state Senate run. When Vernikov remained in the contest, Kagan pressed on, buoyed by endorsements from Assembly Members Alec Brook-Krasny and Michael Novakhov, as well as former state Senator Marty Golden. Yet, the wisdom of challenging a sitting Republican incumbent was questioned by many within the party.
According to Brooklyn Paper, Novakhov, who represents the overlapping Assembly District 45, sought a more cooperative partner on the council, claiming Vernikov had rebuffed his outreach. The campaign became a battleground not just between candidates, but also among their surrogates, with social media commentary often blurring the lines between official statements and personal attacks. At times, it was hard to tell whether the real contest was between Vernikov and Kagan or Vernikov and Novakhov.
After the dust settled, Novakhov offered his congratulations to Vernikov and, in a move toward unity, proposed working together to counter what he described as a new threat to the city: the emergence of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as a frontrunner for mayor.
In an exclusive post-primary interview, Vernikov reflected candidly on the bruising campaign, her priorities for the district—which covers parts of Gravesend, Coney Island, Brighton Beach, Midwood, Madison, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, and Gerritsen Beach—and her broader vision for New York City’s future. "I am so grateful to the Republican voters of the 48th City Council District for seeing through all of the terrible lies and propaganda that were spread about me and choosing to vote for me based on my record," she said. "I don’t take the trust that my constituents placed in me lightly. It’s my priority to continue serving our community by both improving quality of life on our neighborhood streets and being a strong common-sense voice in City Hall."
Vernikov was quick to tout her office’s record. "We are number one in New York City for constituent services—having closed 10,000 cases," she stated. Asked if she would change anything in a new term, she was direct: "Different, no," she replied, adding that she intends to "ramp up" efforts to push back against what she calls the "radical left." Her commitment, she said, is to "continue to be a loud voice for common sense and a thorn in the side of every person who seeks to destroy this city and make it unlivable for the law-abiding citizens who are simply seeking to make an honest living and are taxed, fined and penalized at every turn."
When it comes to the district’s most pressing issues, Vernikov listed public safety, the impact of the migrant crisis, quality-of-life concerns such as cleanliness, and preserving the unique character of local neighborhoods. "My staff and I maintain a great relationship with the NYPD, DSNY and all city agencies to help address pressing issues as quickly as possible," she said. She has also been a vocal critic of the proposed Coney Island casino, arguing that its construction would "undoubtedly negatively affect the residents of our district." Vernikov’s opposition was underscored by her vote against the demapping of land intended for the casino project.
On broader citywide concerns, Vernikov did not mince words: "Crime, the migrant crisis and rampant antisemitism. I am a very vocal advocate for solving all of these issues. Unlike many of the radicals in the Council, I’m a staunch advocate for the NYPD and the rule of law." She credited former President Donald Trump with helping to improve the migrant crisis, but placed blame for local challenges squarely on New York City’s sanctuary policies, which she argued have led to an "unacceptable drain on taxpayer resources." Regarding antisemitism, she was unequivocal: "I refuse to rest until Jews finally feel safe on our streets, in our schools and on college campuses."
Perhaps most striking was Vernikov’s reaction to Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic mayoral primary. "A Mayor Mamdani would be the worst possible scenario for this city," she warned. Drawing from her own experiences, she elaborated: "I grew up under communism. I know what ‘government-run grocery stores’ and other utopian-sounding policies lead to: bread lines, desolation, no choice and no opportunity." She added, "Mamdani calling his communist ideas ‘democratic socialism’ does not change the Marxist values that exist at the core of his policy platform. This is a very, very dangerous man with a very dangerous agenda for our city. Don’t be fooled by the charm!"
In the aftermath of the primary, calls for healing and unity within the Brooklyn GOP have grown louder, especially as the party faces the challenge of rising far-left influence citywide. But whether such unity is achievable remains an open question. "I am always willing to work with anyone trying to do what’s best for my constituents and this city—but not those who only look to serve their own interests," Vernikov said. She didn’t shy away from criticizing her own party’s leadership: "Unfortunately, we all saw the very ugly side of the Brooklyn GOP in this election, and they made it clear that they consider themselves an insular boys’ club, and anyone who doesn’t toe the line is not invited."
Vernikov’s critique extended to Brooklyn GOP Chair Richie Barsamian, who lost the Republican primary in District 47 to George Sarantopoulos by just 16 votes—a race marred by allegations of voter fraud, including reports of ballots cast by deceased voters and 22 suspicious ballots found in a Board of Elections facility. These allegations have been referred to the Brooklyn District Attorney for investigation, but the Board of Elections has certified Barsamian’s defeat. On the eve of Election Day, Vernikov revoked her endorsement of Barsamian, signaling a clear break with the party’s leadership. "It seems that the Brooklyn GOP needs a serious shake-up and to be seriously cleaned up if they hope to stand a chance in the face of the challenges that are ahead," she stated.
Despite the internal strife, Vernikov has maintained her focus on the nuts and bolts of constituent service. Her office has recently secured funding for neighborhood beautification, installed a new stop sign at Avenue W and East 27th Street, and repaired a public water fountain in Manhattan Beach within 48 hours. She also played a key role in the reopening of Kingsborough Beach. "We’ve also brought in millions of dollars in funding for projects around the district and helped bring several critical budget items that will impact our district," she said.
Looking ahead, Vernikov will face Democratic nominee Anzhela Pinkhasov, founder of the consulting group APOC, in the general election scheduled for November 4, 2025. With the Republican Party still reeling from internal divisions and the specter of a shifting political climate in Brooklyn, the race promises to be closely watched—and fiercely fought.
As the city’s political winds swirl, Vernikov’s victory and her unapologetic stance on key issues have set the stage for a high-stakes general election, one that could reshape not just District 48, but the broader direction of Brooklyn politics.
