This June, We Must Re-ElectInna Vernikov

Our Fearless Councilwoman

Inna Vernikov, the dynamic councilwoman representing Brooklyn’s 48th District, has emerged as a formidable voice in New York City politics. Representing neighborhoods like Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay, the Councilwoman is a Ukrainian-born Jewish immigrant and lawyer who arrived in the United States at age 12.

Vernikov’ s journey from a Soviet-era childhood to a prominent Republican leader reflects her resilience and commitment to her principles and community. Elected in 2021, she flipped a traditionally Democratic seat, becoming the first Republican in this seat in over 100 years. Now, as she campaigns for re-election in the Republican primary on June 24, 2025, with early voting starting on June 14 to 22, Vernikov continues to champion issues like public safety, antisemitism, and quality-of-life matters such as taking a stance against homeless shelters being placed in residential neighborhoods.
Vernikov’s tenure has been marked by her vocal stance against antisemitism, a cause deeply personal to her as a Jewish immigrant. She has fearlessly confronted rising antisemitic incidents in New York City, particularly in educational institutions of higher learning.
At a City Hall hearing, she twice grilled CUNY’s administration over their handling of antisemitic incidents, citing the Lippman Report’s findings of pervasive issues within the system. Her pointed response to CUNY Chancellor Felix Matos Rodriguez, who earns $670,000 annually, underscored her frustration with institutional inaction: “Step up or step down.”

Vernikov has also taken her fight to the national stage, testifying before Congress in 2024 about the impact of the migrant crisis on local communities, highlighting her ability to elevate local concerns to federal discussions. Her activism extends to the streets of her district. When a Taliban flag was spotted in Brighton Beach, Vernikov swiftly mobilized, placing pressure on the homeowners to ensure its removal.
Similarly, at Columbia University, Vernikov documented pro-Palestinian encampments, calling out what she saw as antisemitic rhetoric and hostile environments for Jewish students enabled by the administration and uber liberal professors. Her presence at these events, often alongside colleagues like Councilmembers Louis and Yeger, underscores her hands-on approach to addressing divisive issues. Her meetings with the federal antisemitism task force in Washington, D.C., further highlight her proactive approach to aligning local and national efforts.
Education remains a cornerstone of Vernikov’s platform. At a press conference outside Origins High School, she addressed antisemitism in public schools, advocating for safer environments for Jewish students. Her “Unmask the Hate” legislation, introduced at City Hall, seeks to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable by removing anonymity protections, a direct response to masked protests that she believes shield antisemitic actors.
Vernikov’s work with the NYC Council Jewish Caucus, including meetings with Jewish students at Baruch College, further demonstrates her dedication to fostering dialogue and support for her community, and a willingness to reach across the aisle when it comes to issues like antisemitism.
Beyond her fight against antisemitism, Vernikov has tackled practical quality-of-life issues. She successfully pushed for legislation requiring new trash bins across New York City, addressing sanitation concerns that resonate with her constituents. Her opposition to proposed bike lanes in Midwood, which she argued prioritized ideology over practicality, earned her the title of “most hated” by Streetsblog—a badge she wears proudly, as seen in her social media post: “Proudly DELIVERING.” By halting the bike lane plan, which she claimed preserved parking and pedestrian safety, Vernikov showcased her responsiveness to community needs.
Vernikov’s personal story adds depth to her public service. A former immigration and divorce lawyer with a BA from Baruch College and a Juris Doctorate degree, she brings a legal acumen to her role. Her decision to quit the Women’s Caucus, citing its politicization, reflects her willingness to stand on principle, even at the cost of alliances.
As Vernikov seeks re-election, she faces a challenge from Ari Kagan in the Republican primary. Kagan, a lifelong Democrat and former local Democratic leader, switched parties in 2022, a move Vernikov’s supporters criticize as opportunistic. Critics argue Kagan’s values remain misaligned with the GOP’s, pointing to his history of running as a Democrat without adopting conservative principles, voting along with democrats on issues like immigration and crime, as well as voting no on a budget that substantially increased funding to the NYPD. This contrast, however, is secondary to Vernikov’s record of delivering results.
Vernikov’s campaign is a testament to her unrelenting advocacy. From confronting antisemitism to improving sanitation, public safety, and rallying against homeless shelters being placed in residential neighborhoods, she has proven herself a tireless fighter for the 48th District. Her ability to blend grassroots activism with legislative action makes her a standout figure in a city often dominated by progressive and partisan divides. As voters head to the polls, Vernikov’s record as a principled, results-driven leader will speak for itself, but in a low turn out election, every vote matters.
On June 24th, we must re-elect our fearless leader in city hall, our Councilwoman, Inna Vernikov. Early voting starts on June 14th and ends on June 22nd.