Council Member Inna Vernikov Hailed for Cross-Party Efforts and Public Service

New York City Council Member Inna Vernikov, representing Brooklyn's 48th District, is being lauded as a "rising star in the Republican Party" and a "dedicated public servant" for her commitment to New Yorkers. A recent social media post highlighted her ability to unite people "across and above party lines," praising her representation in the city.

The tweet, from user Ben B@dejo, stated, > "This is what it looks like when people who love New York come together, across and above party lines. City Council Member Inna Vernikov is a rising star in the Republican Party and a dedicated public servant. New Yorkers are fortunate to have Inna representing us."

Vernikov, who serves as the Minority Whip of the City Council, assumed office in January 2022 and is one of only a few Republicans in the 51-member council. Her district encompasses neighborhoods including Brighton Beach, West Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, Gravesend, and parts of Midwood and Sheepshead Bay. She successfully secured the Republican primary for re-election in June 2025, demonstrating strong constituent support.

A Ukrainian-born attorney, Council Member Vernikov has been a vocal advocate on several key issues, including combating antisemitism, addressing rising crime, and opposing what she terms "unreasonable mandates" and the city's handling of the migrant crisis. She has introduced 14 bills and sponsored 120 others in the current legislative session, with one enacted bill focusing on the removal of derelict vehicles. Her office frequently prioritizes the everyday needs of her district's residents.

Her willingness to engage beyond traditional party lines was notably demonstrated during the 2025 mayoral race. Vernikov, a staunch conservative, publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo, who was running as an independent, over the Republican standard-bearer, Curtis Sliwa. She justified this decision by stating it was "beyond party lines" and a strategic move to prevent the election of a more progressive candidate, Zohran Mamdani, whom she deemed an "existential threat." This move underscored her pragmatic approach to city politics, prioritizing perceived outcomes over strict party allegiance.