NEW YORK CITY — Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov raised alarm bells about the rising popularity of Zohran Mamdani, the socialist mayoral candidate, warning that his supporters are being lured by the ‘pipe dream’ of a utopia under socialism. Speaking exclusively to Fox News Digital, Vernikov, who was born in Soviet Ukraine, recounted her childhood memories of standing in long queues for basic food and essentials with her grandfather. “When you look at the Soviet Union, this is exactly what they did,” she said, emphasizing the danger of Mamdani’s policies as a repeat of historical mistakes that led to a failed communist experiment.
Vernikov’s concerns stem from her understanding of the consequences of such ideologies, especially given her family’s history of hardship under the Soviet regime. Her comments come as Mamdani, who ran on a platform of transformative and radical social reforms, surged in popularity after winning the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayor, a position that is crucial for shaping governance in one of the largest cities in the United States.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Vernikov suggested that a significant portion of Mamd’ani’s support appears to be driven by ‘guilt’ and ‘shame,’ particularly among the white and privileged segments of society. “I think we’re living in a culture of shame that started during the George Floyd riots, when people who were rich and White were shamed into being White and rich,” she explained. This sentiment, she argued, may have pushed some voters to back Mamdani as a way to align with a ‘progressive’ narrative, even if it means supporting policies that she views as dangerous for America’s future.
Vernikov also acknowledged Mamdani’s charisma as a key factor in his campaign’s success, but warned that it should not overshadow the risks of his proposals. “His ideas, he might say he’s a socialist, but I don’t really draw the line,” she said. “I think it’s the same concepts, the same ideas in terms of the economy, in terms of these policies. I think that it’s very, very dangerous and it’s counter to the idea of capitalism and the cornerstone of our democracy.”
Despite the criticism, Vernikov admitted that Republicans could learn from parts of Mamdani’s campaign strategies, citing his ability to effectively engage with voters and present a compelling narrative. However, she stressed that the long-term implications of his policies are alarming, suggesting that they could lead to significant disorder, including the return of bread lines and the loss of the current structure of New York City as it is known.
Vernikov’s warnings highlight an ongoing debate about the direction of political movements in the United States, especially as progressive policies and socialist rhetoric gain traction. The concerns raise broader questions about the potential for ideological shifts and their impact on the nation’s political and economic frameworks.