BAY RIDGE — Justin Brannan’s chief counsel, Kayla Santosuosso, announced she is running for the seat of the incumbent councilmember at a campaign launch party and fundraiser on Sunday, Jan. 5. 

If elected, Santosuosso would serve southern Brooklyn’s 47th City Council district, which includes Bay Ridge and Coney Island. The 34-year-old Santosuosso has been a Bay Ridgian for over a decade and is currently president of the Bay Ridge Democrats, co-founded by Brannan and State Sen. Andrew Gounardes. 

“Politics is a dirty word to some, and many people don’t believe in the ability of government to deliver,” Santosuosso explained, adding, “I don’t care what party you belong to, or who you voted for. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican or a Conservative, at the end of the day, on a local level, you just want a good quality of life, and want life to be easier and more affordable.”  

Brannan and Gounardes endorsed Santosuosso at the event, with Brannan adding that the next councilmember has to be “someone who can see these projects through.” 

The primary elections for City Council take place on June 24, and the 2025 New York City Council elections will be held on Nov. 4. Brannan is the only Brooklyn councilmember who has reached term limits, and he is running for City Comptroller.