With just weeks to go until New York City’s June 27 primary — and early voting set for June 14 through June 22 — the race for City Council District 48 is drawing increased attention, as two Republican incumbents face off in one of the city’s most closely watched intra-party matchups.
Incumbent Inna Vernikov is facing a challenge from former Council Member Ari Kagan in the south Brooklyn district, which includes Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Homecrest and parts of Midwood and Gravesend.
The race comes after months of speculation. Kagan, who previously indicated he would run for the seat under the assumption that Vernikov would pursue a state Senate campaign, confirmed earlier this year that he would move forward with his run despite Vernikov’s decision to seek re-election.
Meet the candidates
Ari Kagan
Kagan was elected to the City Council in 2021 to represent the 47th District, which at the time included Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Gravesend and Sea Gate. He succeeded term-limited Council Member Mark Treyger and defeated Republican challenger Mark Szuszkiewicz in the general election.
In 2022, Kagan switched parties, becoming a Republican, and ran for re-election in the newly redrawn 47th District, which shifted to include Bay Ridge, Coney Island and parts of Bath Beach and Dyker Heights. He lost that race to fellow Council Member Justin Brannan following a contentious and closely-watched campaign.
Now, Kagan is seeking a return to the council — this time in District 48 — and says he’s focused on issues like public safety, merit-based education and improved sanitation services.
“I intend to use my extensive government experience, decades of community advocacy, and strong relationships to address quality-of-life issues, provide excellent constituent services, and connect all communities of the 48th District with city, state, and federal agencies,” he told Brooklyn Paper earlier this year.
Neither candidate appears to have created a campaign website ahead of the 2025 primary.
Inna Vernikov
Incumbent Council Member
Inna Vernikov currently represents District 48 and is running for a second term. A former attorney, she has previously worked as a special assistant to former Assembly Member Dov Hikind and as a campaign manager for former State Senator David Storobin.
Vernikov is affiliated with several organizations, including Asian Community Watch, Americans Against Antisemitism and Legion Self Defense. In the City Council, she serves as the Minority Whip. Vernikov had reportedly been considering a state Senate run, but opted to seek re-election to the City Council instead.
“My highest priority will always be my constituents, and after careful consideration, I have decided that remaining in my current position in the City Council is where I can best continue representing the thousands of New Yorkers that I have the immense pleasure to serve,” Vernikov said in March. “Our city needs strong common-sense voices, and my colleagues and I fight like hell to save New York every single day.”
New York’s primary election will be held June 24, with early voting scheduled from June 14 to June 22. To find your pollsite, visit vote.nyc. The winner of the Republican primary will move on to the general election on Nov. 5.
This roundup is part of an ongoing series. Check back for more information on candidates in competitive races across Brooklyn, and check out our candidate roundups for Brooklyn Borough President, Council District 35, Council District 38, Council District 39, Council District 41, Council District 47, and Civil Court Judge.
