New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Republican, has raised significant concerns about the potential victory of socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, warning that his leadership could destabilize the city. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Vernikov described the scenario of a Mamdani-led New York City as potentially leading to chaos, lawlessness, and the exodus of wealthier and middle-class residents. Her comments come amid growing tensions in the Democratic Party over whether to endorse Mamdani despite his politically controversial stances on economic policy, Israel, and policing.
Vernikov, who grew up in the Soviet Union and came to the United States as a child, drew a direct comparison between Mamdani’s policy proposals and her personal memories of life under communist rule. She spoke about standing in long lines for basic necessities like milk and suggested that Mamdani’s vision of a government-run economy parallels those experiences. ‘He wants government-run supermarkets. That is completely counter to what America is supposed to be,’ Vernikov stated, emphasizing the threat she sees in shifting the city’s economic structure away from free-market principles.
Vernikov’s concerns extend beyond economic policy. She criticized Mamdani’s approach to public services, drawing parallels to the inefficiencies and bureaucratic red tape she associates with communist governments. ‘Think about going into the DMV. Think about going anywhere, and just remember how much red tape and incompetence you’ll see going to any of these agencies, and that’s what Mamdani wants to do with New York City,’ she said. This, she argues, could lead to a deterioration of public services and a loss of trust in city governance.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani has also sparked a broader reckoning within the Democratic Party. After a recent meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, experts and party insiders expressed fears that Mamdani’s victory could result in a significant division within the party. Former House Judiciary Chief Counsel Julian Epstein, a Democrat, warned of the dangers of electing a progressive candidate who advocates for socialist policies and a cultural revolution. He argued that such a shift could lead to the eventual breakup of the Democratic Party as it is currently known.
Vernikov echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the party has moved too far to the left and is now at an ideological crossroads. She described the current state of the Democratic Party as the ‘Democratic Party of AOC and all the radicals,’ highlighting the discomfort of moderate Democrats who now face a choice between endorsing Mamdani or distancing themselves from him. Some have even faced threats of physical violence from progressive opponents, according to Vernikov.
Despite these concerns, Mamdani’s campaign remains defiant and has not issued a formal comment on the matter. Meanwhile, the race for the New York City mayor has become a focal point for national political discourse, with implications that extend beyond the city’s borders. As the November election approaches, the tension between traditional Democratic values and the push for more progressive policies will likely remain at the heart of the debate, shaping the future of the city and perhaps the broader Democratic Party itself.