As New York’s primary election approaches, several City Council races are drawing increased public attention — including the contest in South Brooklyn’s District 47.
The district includes Bay Ridge, Coney Island and Sea Gate, as well as parts of Dyker Heights, Gravesend and Bath Beach. It is currently represented by Democrat Justin Brannan, who is running for New York City comptroller.
Four candidates are competing in the June primary — two Democrats and two Republicans. The winners will advance to the general election in November. The Democratic candidates are Kayla Santosuosso and Fedir Usmanov. The Republican candidates are George Sarantopoulos and Richie Barsamian.
Meet the candidates
Kayla Santosuosso
Chief counsel for Council Member Justin Brannan
Kayla Santosuosso has lived in Bay Ridge for more than a decade, where she has owned small businesses and led a local nonprofit. She is also a lawyer with experience working with city agencies.
Santosuosso has been endorsed by Council Member Justin Brannan, the Working Families Party and the Bay Ridge Democrats. According to her campaign website, her priorities include affordability, support for small businesses, parks and green space, and improving South Brooklyn for working families.
“Southern Brooklyn is home to some of the hardest working people in the City, who deserve a government that makes their lives easier, not harder,” she writes. “Starting from day one, my number one goal will be to make your life in this city easier. No matter what party you belong to, how long you’ve been here, what you do for a living, or what language you speak, I hope I can earn your support.”
Fedir Usmanov
A first-generation immigrant, currently studying political science and operations management at CUNY Baruch
Usmanov feels called to public service, and to address the problems faced by his fellow New Yorkers.
“Unlike career politicians who rely on popular slogans and empty promises, I am action-oriented. I am running for NYC Council to bring real accountability, smarter budgeting, and policies that make every dollar work for the people — whether in education, public safety, transportation, or small business growth,” he writes on his campaign website.
Richie Barsamian
Chair of the Kings County Republican Party
A retired policeman, Barsamian is a frequent attendee of 68th Precinct meetings, where he speaks on issues impacting his community. He has received the endorsement of the Kings County Republican Party.
On Barsamian’s platform page, he lists two policies: his desire to hire more police officers, and his intention to protect Medicare.
“As part of my campaign to represent the 47th NYC Council District and the people of Southern Brooklyn, I pledge to fully support City Council Bill 1096 and any legislation that will end the threat of Medicare Advantage plans replacing traditional Medicare benefits for our municipal retirees,” he states.
George Sarantopolous
A cancer survivor and business leader
Born-and-raised in New York, Sarantopolous is a Bay Ridge resident who has decades of experience in business, including as the founder of the credit card processing company Access One Solutions.
“George has built and led successful businesses and nonprofits across a variety of industries,” his campaign informs. “He also served as Chairman Emeritus of a national trade association, giving voice to thousands of small business owners across the country. In public service, George worked as Communications Director for a New York State Assemblyman and has played key roles in numerous local and state campaigns.”
He wants to make District 47 a safer and more affordable home for its residents, and has a detailed list of policies that make it easy for voters to get to know him. His goals include an increase in funding for police, an expansion of mobile health clinics, and a lower cost of living.
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.
This roundup is part of an ongoing series. Check back for more information on candidates in other competitive races across the borough.
