In the District 48 race, Council Member Inna Vernikov secured a decisive victory over former Council Member Ari Kagan, winning by a notable 32% margin in what was considered one of the most contentious Republican primaries in southern Brooklyn’s recent history. This outcome has led to significant divisions among party officials, voters, and local leaders within the Brooklyn GOP.
Kagan, who had recently been defeated by Democrat Justin Brannan in District 47, entered the contest expecting Vernikov to seek a state Senate seat. However, she remained in the race, prompting Kagan—with the backing of Assembly Members Alec Brook-Krasny and Michael Novakhov, along with ex-State Senator Marty Golden—to move forward.
Campaign Disputes and Party Strife
Public arguments defined the race, especially between Vernikov and Novakhov, who sided with Kagan and criticized Vernikov for being disagreeable. The frequent social media clashes blurred the distinction between the candidate and his main backer, making it unclear at times whether Vernikov’s real challenger was Kagan or Novakhov.
The night before the primary, Vernikov withdrew her endorsement of Brooklyn GOP Chair Richie Barsamian—a move signaling growing internal tensions. Subsequently, Barsamian narrowly lost his District 47 Republican primary by 16 votes amid voter fraud allegations, which the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office is investigating.
Vernikov’s Agenda for the Upcoming Term
After her win, Vernikov thanked her supporters for “seeing past all the falsehoods” and committed to prioritizing support for the NYPD, public safety, immigration, and neighborhood integrity. She voiced concern about Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral campaign, calling his ideas “dangerous” and equating them with communism, and reaffirmed her opposition to the Coney Island casino proposal.
She also vowed to fight antisemitism so that “Jewish residents finally feel safe” in public spaces, and criticized New York City’s sanctuary city stance, arguing it worsens the migrant crisis.
Commitment to Community Services
Vernikov’s office has delivered millions in funding for district improvements, resolved more than 10,000 constituent issues, and administered rapid responses, such as repairing a Manhattan Beach water fountain in under 48 hours. Notable accomplishments include restoring Kingsborough Beach and installing a stop sign at Avenue W and East 27th Street.
In the November 4 general election, Vernikov will face Anzhela Pinkhasov, the Democratic nominee.
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