Inna Vernikov: Biography
Early Life and Family Background
Inna Vernikov was born on August 30, 1984, in Chernivtsi, in the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic of the Soviet Union . She was raised in an Ashkenazi Jewish family and attended ORT Specialized School No. 41, a Jewish day school in Chernivtsi . Growing up under Soviet rule, Vernikov has described experiencing food rationing and restrictions on religious practice during her childhood . In 1996, at the age of 12, she immigrated with her family to the United States as Jewish refugees, settling in the New York City area .
Education
Vernikov earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Baruch College, part of the City University of New York system . She subsequently obtained her Juris Doctor from Florida Coastal School of Law .
Legal Career
Prior to entering politics, Vernikov operated a private law practice focused on immigration and matrimonial law . Her firm handled cases across both disciplines, and she has stated that she represented thousands of immigration clients over the course of her career, including individuals who had entered the country through both legal and unauthorized channels . Her legal background in immigration has informed her policy positions and public commentary on federal immigration enforcement, the migrant crisis, and related city-level debates .
Entry into Politics
Vernikov has cited the Benghazi embassy attack controversy as an early catalyst for her interest in politics . She gained experience in government by serving as a Special Assistant to former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind and worked on the campaign of former State Senator David Storobin . She also volunteered with the United Jewish Voters Alliance, registering voters in her community . Formerly a registered Democrat, Vernikov switched her party affiliation to Republican around 2020 . In 2021, she ran for the New York City Council seat representing the 48th District in southern Brooklyn, a seat vacated after former Council Member Chaim Deutsch was expelled following a guilty plea on tax fraud charges .
Council Service
Vernikov was elected in November 2021 and assumed office on December 1, 2021 . She became one of five Republicans in the 51-member Council and the first Republican to represent a portion of Brooklyn since Marty Golden left the body in 2002 . She was named Minority Whip shortly after taking office in January 2022, a position she held until February 2025 when Council Member Vickie Paladino briefly assumed the role . Vernikov was reappointed as Minority Whip in January 2026 . She won reelection in 2023, defeating two opponents, and again in 2025, winning both the Republican primary and the general election . Her 48th District encompasses the southern Brooklyn neighborhoods of Gravesend, Coney Island, Sea Gate, Brighton Beach, Midwood, Homecrest, Madison, Sheepshead Bay, Manhattan Beach, and Gerritsen Beach .
Civic Involvement
Outside the Council, Vernikov has served as a board member and chair of the Women's Committee for Americans Against Antisemitism . She also served as a chair at Legion Self Defense, an organization that provides self-defense and active-shooter training . She has been recognized by the Jewish Week as part of its 36 Under 36 awards program and has received a New York City Council acknowledgment sponsored by former Council Member Chaim Deutsch, as well as a Congressional recognition for community service .