The primary election held on June 24 has concluded. In the 48th district of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, incumbent Republican City Council member Inna Vernikov is currently leading her opponent Ari Kagan. Meanwhile, in the Democratic primary in the 46th district, incumbent council member Mercedes Narcisse is significantly ahead of challenger Dimple Willabus.
According to the statistics from the City Board of Elections website as of 10 p.m. on the 24th, 87.3% of the votes have been counted in the 48th district. Inna Vernikov has garnered 2,226 votes, with a vote share of 65.88%, while Ari Kagan has received 1,134 votes, with a vote share of 33.56%.
In the 46th district which includes the homeless population along Avenue U, 92.3% of the votes have been counted by 10 p.m. Incumbent Democratic council member Mercedes Narcisse has received a total of 11,893 votes, with an impressive vote share of 82.66%, far exceeding Dimple Willabus’s 2,447 votes, representing a vote share of 17%.
Since there are only two candidates participating in the primaries in these two districts, the Ranked Choice Voting system has automatically converted to a simple majority system. The candidate with the most votes will directly win without the need for ranking or runoff.
Despite her defeat in the primary, Dimple Willabus expressed gratitude and perseverance during a live broadcast last night, emphasizing that many supporters who have persevered in difficult circumstances during this election process are “true warriors.” She reflected on her original intentions of immigrating to the United States to seek a better life and create a brighter future for the next generation, urging voters to “reconsider their choices and support those who truly represent the community and possess integrity” in the general election in November. She thanked her family, volunteers, and supporters for their companionship, highlighting that her team has always upheld righteous and legal campaigning practices and will continue to move forward.
According to the data from the Campaign Finance Board, Dimple Willabus plans to challenge Mercedes Narcisse again in November’s general election as a candidate for the Conservative Party. At that time, there will also be Republican candidate Athena Clarke and Safe Communities Party candidate Kenny Altidor competing.
As for the 48th district, Republican Inna Vernikov will face a challenge from Namra Zulfiqar, the candidate for the Asians United Party, in the general election in November.