NYC councilwoman warns against Mamdani’s socialist surge

Socialism’s siren song is luring New York City voters, warns Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov. She’s sounding the alarm on Zohran Mamdani, a charismatic candidate whose mayoral campaign is gaining traction. Vernikov, no stranger to collectivist promises, sees trouble brewing.

Vernikov, born in Soviet Ukraine, blasts Mamdani’s platform as a rehash of failed policies. The Democratic primary winner for NYC mayor, Mamdani, has sparked both enthusiasm and controversy with his socialist vision. Critics, including Vernikov, fear his ideas could unravel the city’s economic fabric.

Mamdani’s campaign kicked off with a splash at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24, 2025. His charm was on full display, drawing crowds with promises of sweeping change. But Vernikov argues this charisma masks a dangerous agenda.

Mamdani’s Charismatic Campaign Gains Momentum

Days later, Mamdani marched in the NYC Pride Parade on June 29, 2025, cementing his progressive appeal. Supporters cheered, but Vernikov calls his base narrow—mostly White, privileged voters. She sees a disconnect between his rhetoric and the city’s diverse needs.

“They promised the people everything, and at the end, who got rich? Only the government,” Vernikov said. Her words cut sharp, drawing parallels to Soviet-era bait-and-switch tactics. Mamdani’s pledges, she insists, are a fantasy that could bankrupt the city.

Vernikov ties Mamdani’s rise to a “culture of shame” born during the George Floyd riots. She claims White, affluent voters, guilt-tripped by social pressures, are flocking to him. It’s a stinging critique, suggesting his support stems more from optics than conviction.

Socialist Promises Spark Economic Fears

“This is my opinion, that we’re living in a culture of shame,” Vernikov said. She argues that Mamdani’s voters are swayed by social acceptance, not policy substance. The jab lands hard, framing his campaign as a fad for the elite.

Business owners aren’t buying Mamdani’s pitch either. They warn that his socialist platform could drive companies out of NYC, strangling jobs and revenue. Vernikov echoes their fears, painting a grim picture of economic collapse under his leadership.

A resurfaced comment about abolishing private property has fueled the fire. Critics pounced, calling it a step too far even for progressives. Mamdani’s defenders call it a misstep, but Vernikov sees it as a glimpse of his true colors.

Vernikov Likens Policies to Soviet Failures

“When you look at the Soviet Union, this is exactly what they did,” Vernikov warned. She compares Mamdani’s ideas to the centralized control she fled as a child. It’s a bold claim, meant to jolt voters awake.

Mamdani calls himself a socialist, but Vernikov slaps a harsher label: communist. “His ideas, he might say he’s a socialist, but I don’t draw the line,” she said. The distinction, she argues, is academic when the policies threaten capitalism’s core.

Vernikov’s critique doesn’t stop at ideology. She warns of “chaos” and “bread lines” if Mamdani’s vision takes hold. The imagery is stark, evoking a city stripped of its vibrancy and prosperity.

Charisma Masks Dangerous Ideas

“What could happen is us seeing the police flee, and this will not be New York City anymore,” Vernikov said. Her apocalyptic tone underscores the stakes as she sees them. Mamdani’s charm, she fears, could blind voters to the fallout.

“I think the promises he’s making, combined with the guilt, with the shame, combined with him being extremely charismatic and charming, he’s having a very effective campaign,” Vernikov admitted. Yet she dismisses his vision as a “pipe dream.” Charisma can’t trump reality, she implies.

Vernikov’s warnings carry weight, but Mamdani’s momentum is undeniable. His supporters see a bold reformer; detractors, a dangerous idealist. New Yorkers must decide if his promises are progress or peril.