Former City Council Member Ari Kagan has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination in Brooklyn’s 48th District, setting up a primary battle against incumbent Council Member Inna Vernikov ahead of the June 24 election.
Kagan, who previously indicated he was eyeing the seat under the assumption that Vernikov would run for state Senate, is now moving forward with his campaign despite her decision to seek re-election. The district covers Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Homecrest, and parts of Midwood and Gravesend.
“After serious consideration and with strong encouragement from many community leaders, I have decided to enter the race for the Republican nomination in the 48th Council District,” Kagan said in a statement. “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.”
A former Democrat who switched parties in 2022, Kagan is currently gathering signatures to qualify for the primary ballot ahead of the April 3 deadline. He told Brooklyn Paper that he is focused on the petitioning process and has received a positive response from voters. He also denied allegations that he has been referencing Vernikov in conversations with residents.
“I’m not mentioning her name in any way, shape, or form at the doors at all,” Kagan said. “I’m just saying who I am. People know me. I don’t need to say anything about her at all.”
Vernikov, however, disputed that claim in a Facebook post on Friday, accusing Kagan of misleading voters.
“I am being told by community members that my ‘Republican’ want-to-be opponent, Ari Kagan, is telling people he is NOT running against me when he is asking them to sign a petition to get him on the ballot,” she wrote. “To clarify for the public, he is absolutely running against me were he to make the ballot… If you are someone who wants to see me re-elected, do not sign that petition or donate to his campaign.”
The council member also released a formal statement reaffirming her commitment to seeking another term.
“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. “Our city needs strong common-sense voices, and my colleagues and I fight like hell to save New York every single day.”
NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola previously told the New York Post that Kagan would officially announce whether he is running in April when Vernikov was expected to announce her candidacy for the state Senate.
The race sets up a contentious Republican primary in a district that has become a conservative stronghold in Brooklyn. The outcome of the June 24 election will determine who advances to the general election in November.
