Southern Brooklyn's Republican Champion

Ari Kagan, the Republican City Councilman, secures a resounding victory in the District 47 primary, securing an astounding 75% majority in the initial votes. The unofficial results, announced on Tuesday evening, emphasize Kagan's remarkable achievement using NYC's ranked-choice voting, with an outstanding 98% of scanners reporting the outcome.

Kagan extends his heartfelt appreciation to the Southern Brooklyn Republican voters for their unwavering support and recognizes their desire for transformative change. His campaign effectively addressed critical concerns such as bolstering the NYPD, promoting merit-based education, reducing taxes, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Kagan's message strongly resonated with the residents of Southern Brooklyn.

Kagan faced a challenging primary race against Republican contenders Belfiore-Delfaus and Pereira. Belfiore-Delfaus, a former teacher, gained considerable support with Vernikov's endorsement, securing 12% of the votes. Similarly, Pereira, a special education teacher, showcased his credentials on LinkedIn and also received 12% of the total votes.

Belarusian journalist Ari Kagan immigrated to the US and entered public service. In 2021, he succeeded Mark Treyger, a Brooklyn Democrat, and was elected to the council.

Kagan's noteworthy transition from being a Democrat to joining the Republican Party has captured widespread interest. As reported by The Post, he openly voiced his disillusionment with the Democratic Party's leftward trajectory and their leniency towards crime. In addition, sources have revealed his dissatisfaction with the redistricting process, which led to the division of certain areas within his former district.

Despite the consequences he faced for his party switch, including removal from several committees and relocation to a smaller government office, Kagan persevered with unwavering determination.

Kagan's primary victory sets the stage for an exciting showdown with colleague Justin Brannan in the upcoming November general election. The new 47th district, formed through redistricting, will shape District 47's future political landscape.