Exactly one month after the Nov. 4, 2025, elections, Southern Brooklyn residents packed 1602 Avenue U for the grand opening of the newly established Community First Republican Club, a grassroots organization created to strengthen civic engagement, expand voter outreach and support practical, community-focused leadership.
Founded in December 2025 and led by former Council Member Ari Kagan as president, the club emphasizes advocacy for Southern Brooklyn neighborhoods, backing Republican candidates, registering new voters, and welcoming what they refer to as “common-sense Democrats” and unaffiliated residents who share its priorities.
Patriotic music, kosher refreshments and a strong sense of purpose filled the evening, which began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, performed by Georgian singer Nina Shermadini.
Former Brooklyn GOP Chairman Richie Barsamian took the microphone to emphasize the club’s mission of unity.
“We are interested in the future of New York City that belongs to all those who follow the law, who have love in their heart. Whether they are Republicans or Democrats, whether they are Christians, Muslims, or Jews, they are New Yorkers and they are Americans,” Barsamian said.
The turnout reflected that mission, he said, drawing a diverse crowd representing many languages, cultures, and faiths. Numerous attendees joined the club on the spot, including members of the Russian, Georgian, Jewish, Pakistani and Asian communities.
Brooklyn GOP Chairman Liam McCabe praised the new organization and Kagan’s leadership, recalling their years of working together on community issues. “Ari has always put people first,” McCabe said, adding that the club’s name fits perfectly. “What matters most is working side by side for our neighborhoods. That’s how we get things done.”
Chairman Emeritus Richie Barsamian, First Vice Chairwoman Svetlana Zelinskaya, and Assembly Members Alec Brook-Krasny, Michael Novakhov, and Lester Chang congratulated the club, joining community advocates such as Lina Chan. Board members Fanya Vasilevskaya, Jeannine Cherichetti, Stephanie Benshimol, Anna Shpilkovskaya, and Karen LichtBraun were introduced, along with Youth Committee Co-Chairs Arthur Rotshteyn and District Leader Karina Bertaeva.
Kagan said the club’s name reflects its guiding philosophy and outlined upcoming initiatives, including monthly meetings, voter registration drives, small-business support efforts and public-safety partnerships. The club aims to unite community outreach, politics, and diverse residents around a common cause.
Novakhov presented Kagan with an Assembly Citation and emphasized the significance of the launch.
“This club represents real energy and commitment in Southern Brooklyn, and I’m proud to see so many people ready to step forward and be part of it,” he said.
Brook-Krasny called the turnout remarkable.
“It was a very large gathering of elected officials, party leaders, and members of the community who are deeply committed to returning and electing responsible leaders,” he said. Chang noted the increasing number of common-sense Democrats aligning with the club’s goals.
Leaders also stressed the need for more Republican clubs, saying Brooklyn’s many neighborhoods require localized engagement. The club has already hosted a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway and plans additional community events.
Nasir Faizi congratulated the organizers and noted the strong participation from Brooklyn’s Pakistani community, describing the evening as an opportunity to meet dedicated neighbors from across the borough.
The launch concluded with new memberships, volunteer commitments, and applause for what many called the start of a renewed civic movement in Southern Brooklyn. The Community First Republican Club invites residents to follow its work and upcoming projects at its Sheepshead Bay headquarters and encourages everyone to get involved and attend monthly meetings.
