Ritchie Torres
{{Short description|American politician (born 1988)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Ritchie Torres
|image = Ritchie Torres 117th U.S Congress.jpg
|caption = Official portrait, 2021
|state = New York
|district = {{ushr|NY|15|r}}
|term_start = January 3, 2021
|term_end =
|predecessor = José E. Serrano
|successor =
|office1 = Member of the New York City Council
from the 15th district
|term_start1 = January 1, 2014
|term_end1 = December 31, 2020
|predecessor1 = Joel Rivera
|successor1 = Oswald Feliz
|birth_name = Ritchie John Torres
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|3|12}}
|birth_place = The Bronx, New York, U.S.
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = Democratic
|education = New York University (attended)
|website = {{URL|https://ritchietorres.house.gov|House website}}
{{URL|https://torres.nyc/|Campaign website}}
|module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Ritchie Torres speaks on health among Black Americans.ogg|title=Ritchie Torres's voice|type=speech|description=Ritchie Torres speaks on health among Black Americans
Recorded March 7, 2022}}
}}
Ritchie John Torres (born March 12, 1988) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative for {{ushr|NY|15}} since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served on the New York City Council from 2014 to 2020.{{cite news|last=Avery|first=Dan|title=Ritchie Torres becomes first gay Latino elected to Congress|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/ritchie-torres-becomes-first-gay-latino-elected-congress-n1246360|work=NBC News|date=November 4, 2020}} His congressional district covers most of the South Bronx and is the poorest district in the United States by median income{{cite news |author1=EUGENE DANIELS |author2=KRYSTAL CAMPOS |date=April 26, 2021 |title=Ritchie Torres represents America's poorest congressional district. He's on a mission to save public housing. |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/04/26/ritchie-torres-new-117th-congress-freshman-members-diversity-2021-484443 |work=Politico}} as well as one of the smallest districts by area in the country, covering only a few square miles.
Torres served as the New York City Council member for the 15th district from 2014 to 2020. He was the first openly gay candidate to be elected to legislative office in the Bronx, and the council's youngest member. Torres chaired the Committee on Public Housing and was a deputy majority leader. As chair of the Oversight and Investigations Committee he focused on predatory lending associated with taxi medallion procurement and the city's Third Party Transfer Program. In 2016, Torres was a delegate for the Bernie Sanders campaign.{{cite web|date=December 5, 2019|title=Meet Ritchie Torres, the pro-Israel progressive and past Bernie delegate running for Congress in the Bronx|url=https://jewishinsider.com/2019/12/meet-ritchie-torres-the-pro-israel-progressive-and-past-bernie-delegate-running-for-congress-in-the-bronx/|access-date=June 24, 2020|website=Jewish Insider|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625021730/https://jewishinsider.com/2019/12/meet-ritchie-torres-the-pro-israel-progressive-and-past-bernie-delegate-running-for-congress-in-the-bronx/|url-status=live}}
In July 2019, Torres announced his bid for {{ushr|NY|15}} to succeed Representative José E. Serrano. The district is one of the most Democratic-leaning congressional districts in the country.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-12 |title=2022 Cook PVI℠: District Map and List |url=https://www.cookpolitical.com/cook-pvi/2022-partisan-voting-index/district-map-and-list |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Cook Political Report |language=en}} Torres won the November 2020 general election and assumed office on January 3, 2021.{{Cite web|title=Ritchie Torres Has Made History As The First Openly Gay latino Member Of Congress|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/addybaird/ritchie-torres-mondaire-jones-first-gay-black-congress|access-date=2020-11-04|website=BuzzFeed News|date=November 4, 2020 |language=en|archive-date=November 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104033759/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/addybaird/ritchie-torres-mondaire-jones-first-gay-black-congress|url-status=live}} This made him and Mondaire Jones the first openly gay black men elected to Congress.{{Cite web|date=2020-11-04|title=14 Victorious LGBTQ Candidates Who Made History in the 2020 Election|url=https://www.towleroad.com/2020/11/lgbtq-candidates-2020-election/|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Towleroad Gay News|language=en-US}} It also made Torres the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress. Torres was one of nine co-chairs of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus in the 117th United States Congress.{{cite web |title=Hoyer Congratulates Leaders of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus for the 117th Congress |website=majorityleader.gov |date=December 18, 2020 |url=https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/hoyer-congratulates-leaders-congressional-lgbtq-equality-caucus-117th-congress |access-date=January 25, 2021 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524011925/https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/hoyer-congratulates-leaders-congressional-lgbtq-equality-caucus-117th-congress |url-status=dead }}
Early life and education
Ritchie Torres was born on March 12, 1988, in the Bronx.{{Cite web|title=Torres, Ritchie|url=https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/T000486|access-date=2021-01-23|website=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress}} His father is Puerto Rican and his mother was born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents. Torres was raised Catholic.{{Cite web |title=Interview with Congressman Ritchie Torres |url=https://www.maxraskin.com/interviews/ritchie-torres |access-date=2022-09-13 |website=Interviews with Max Raskin |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/ritchie-torres-another-young-bronx-progressive-launches-a-run-for-congress|title=Ritchie Torres, Another Young Bronx Progressive, Launches a Run for Congress|last=Gonnerman|first=Jennifer|date=July 27, 2019|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=July 28, 2019|language=en|issn=0028-792X|archive-date=July 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727191058/https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/ritchie-torres-another-young-bronx-progressive-launches-a-run-for-congress|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0NY15160/|website=Federal Election Commission|title=Torres, Ritchie John|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627115538/https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H0NY15160/|url-status=live}}
Torres was raised by his mother in Throggs Neck Houses, a public housing project in the Throggs Neck neighborhood of the East Bronx,{{cite news |url=http://www.newnownext.com/bronx-race-ritchie-torres-ruben-diaz-sr/08/2019/|title=Battle for the Bronx: Queer Latinx Millennial Faces Rubén "Gay Sex Is Beastiality" Díaz Sr. |last=Lang|first=Nico|date=August 1, 2019|work=NewNowNext|access-date=August 3, 2019|archive-date=August 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802163637/http://www.newnownext.com/bronx-race-ritchie-torres-ruben-diaz-sr/08/2019/}} where he was frequently hospitalized for asthma as a result of the mold in their apartment.{{cite news|last1=Ross|first1=Winston|title=Ritchie Torres: Gay, Hispanic and Powerful|url=http://www.newsweek.com/ritchie-torres-gay-hispanic-and-powerful-301749|work=Newsweek|access-date=December 20, 2016|archive-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222121551/http://www.newsweek.com/ritchie-torres-gay-hispanic-and-powerful-301749|url-status=live}} Of growing up economically disadvantaged in "slum conditions", Torres has said, "I was raised by a single mother who had to raise three children on minimum wage and I lived in conditions of mold and vermin, lead and leaks." His mother raised him, his twin brother, and their sister. Torres was upset that the $269 million city-subsidized Trump Golf Links was built "across the street" in Ferry Point Park when those city funds could instead have been used to provide housing for New Yorkers in need. Torres has said that the construction of the Trump Golf Links helped him understand that he had to fight for struggling New Yorkers like himself.{{cite news|last=Brandt|first=Libertina|title=An inside look at every golf course President Donald Trump currently owns, from Ireland to Dubai|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-golf-courses-around-the-world-photos-2019-7|access-date=July 3, 2020|work=Business Insider|archive-date=April 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423064048/https://www.businessinsider.com/donald-trump-golf-courses-around-the-world-photos-2019-7|url-status=live}} In junior high, Torres realized he was gay but did not come out, fearing homophobic violence. He has described being "brutally assaulted" by a bully in the third grade.
Torres attended Herbert H. Lehman High School, served in the inaugural class of the Coro New York Exploring Leadership Program, and later worked as an intern in the offices of the mayor and the attorney general.{{cite web|title=Biography|url=http://council.nyc.gov/d15/html/members/biography.shtml|website=council.ny.gov|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228161518/http://council.nyc.gov/d15/html/members/biography.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Gonnerman|first1=Jennifer|title=Fighting for the Poor Under Trump|url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/12/fighting-for-the-poor-under-trump|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205051732/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/12/fighting-for-the-poor-under-trump|url-status=live}} He came out while a sophomore "during a schoolwide forum on marriage equality".
Torres is one of a small minority of congressmen who does not hold a college degree.{{Cite web |last=Schaeffer |first=Katherine |title=Nearly all members of the 118th Congress have a bachelor's degree – and most have a graduate degree, too |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/nearly-all-members-of-the-118th-congress-have-a-bachelors-degree-and-most-have-a-graduate-degree-too/ |access-date=2023-08-16 |website=Pew Research Center |date=February 2, 2023 |language=en-US}} He enrolled at New York University, but dropped out at the beginning of his sophomore year, as he was suffering from severe depression. He struggled with suicidal thoughts based on his sexuality. As he recovered, Torres resumed working for council member James Vacca, eventually becoming Vacca's housing director. In that role, Torres conducted site inspections and documented conditions, ensuring housing issues were promptly and adequately addressed.{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-borough-president-endorses-ritchie-torres-city-council-article-1.1419447 |title=Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. endorses Ritchie Torres for City Council seat |work=New York Daily News |date=August 6, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-date=September 29, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929055128/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/bronx-borough-president-endorses-ritchie-torres-city-council-article-1.1419447 |url-status=live }}
New York City councilmember
At 25 years old, Torres ran to succeed Joel Rivera as the councilmember for the 15th district of the New York City Council.{{cite web |last=Kappstatter |first=Bob |url=https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2013/20/20__beat_2013_05_16_bx.html |title=Will the real Joel please stand • Bronx Times |work=Bronx Times |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=March 20, 2019 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403150218/https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2013/20/20__beat_2013_05_16_bx.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |author=Colin Campbell |url=https://observer.com/2013/03/24-year-old-council-candidate-collecting-money-and-endorsements/ |title=24-Year-Old Council Candidate Collecting Money and Endorsements |work=Observer |date=March 14, 2013 |access-date=March 20, 2019 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403133833/https://observer.com/2013/03/24-year-old-council-candidate-collecting-money-and-endorsements/ |url-status=live }} The district includes Allerton, Belmont, Bronx Park, Claremont Village, Crotona Park, Fordham, Mount Eden, Mount Hope, Norwood, Parkchester, Tremont, Van Nest, West Farms and Williamsbridge in the Bronx.
When he won the Democratic nomination for New York city council, Torres became one of the first openly gay political candidates in the Bronx to win a Democratic nomination, and upon victory in the general election became the first openly gay public official in the Bronx.{{cite web |url=http://www.norwoodnews.org/id=12802&story=riding-widespread-institutional-support-torres-and-cohen-breeze-to-primary-wins/ |title=Riding Widespread Institutional Support, Torres and Cohen Breeze to Primary Wins |work=Norwood News |date=September 11, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-date=September 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917225234/http://www.norwoodnews.org/id%3D12802%26story%3Driding-widespread-institutional-support-torres-and-cohen-breeze-to-primary-wins/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/13/ritchie-torres-bronx-city-council-gay_n_3437407.html |title=Ritchie Torres, Bronx City Council Race Frontrunner, Among 3 Openly Gay Candidates In Historic Election |publisher=Huffingtonpost.com |date=June 13, 2013 |access-date=September 23, 2013 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003024122/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/13/ritchie-torres-bronx-city-council-gay_n_3437407.html |url-status=live }} Torres also served as a deputy leader of the city council.{{cite web|url=http://council.nyc.gov/d15/html/members/biography.shtml|title=Biography|website=council.ny.gov|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228161518/http://council.nyc.gov/d15/html/members/biography.shtml|url-status=live}}
= Public housing =
Upon his election, Torres requested the chairmanship of the council's committee on public housing, tasked with overseeing the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA);{{cite magazine|url=http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/12/fighting-for-the-poor-under-trump|title=Fighting for the Poor Under Trump|last1=Gonnerman|first1=Jennifer|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=December 5, 2016|archive-date=December 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161205051732/http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/12/12/fighting-for-the-poor-under-trump|url-status=live}} as of July 2019, it is the "nation's largest public housing system", which "provides housing to more than 400,000 low-income residents" in "176,000 apartments across 325 complexes".{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/nyregion/nycha-chairman-gregory-russ.html|title=He's in Charge of Housing for 11,000 Minnesotans. Can He Handle 400,000 New Yorkers?|last=Ferré-Sadurní|first=Luis|date=June 24, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 18, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718035841/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/24/nyregion/nycha-chairman-gregory-russ.html|url-status=live}} He made "the living conditions of the city's most underserved residents a signature priority".{{cite web|url=https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/8672-campaigning-for-congress-torres-touts-city-funding-secured-for-development-outside-council-district|title=Campaigning for Congress, Torres Touts City Funding Secured for Development Outside Council District|last=Geringer-Sameth|first=Ethan|website=Gotham Gazette|language=en-gb|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716234616/https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/8672-campaigning-for-congress-torres-touts-city-funding-secured-for-development-outside-council-district|url-status=live}} In this role he helped secure $3 million for Concourse Village, Inc., a nearly 1,900-unit housing cooperative in the South Bronx. According to 2010 United States Census data the South Bronx is among the poorest districts in the nation.{{cite web|url=https://www.amny.com/news/elections/bronx-congressional-election-1.33906499|title=South Bronx congressional primary will be one to watch|last=Brown|first=Nicole|date=July 16, 2019|website=A.M. New York|language=en|access-date=July 17, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717010219/https://www.amny.com/news/elections/bronx-congressional-election-1.33906499|url-status=live}} The cooperative is subsidized by the Mitchell-Lama Housing Program, offering "income-restricted rentals and below-market value buy-in for co-ops". He also secured nearly $1 million to renovate Dennis Lane Apartments, a Mitchell-Lama co-op in the heart of his district, and "played a crucial role in exposing the city's failures to address lead-paint contamination."
In August 2019, along with fellow council member Vanessa Gibson, Torres announced Right To Counsel 2.0, an expansion of legal aid to NYCHA tenants facing eviction.{{cite web|url=http://bronx.news12.com/story/40957732/seniors-facing-potential-eviction-seek-legal-help-with-new-law-expansion|title=Seniors facing potential eviction seek legal help with new law expansion|date=August 23, 2019|website=Bronx News 12|language=en|access-date=August 25, 2019|archive-date=August 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825015145/http://bronx.news12.com/story/40957732/seniors-facing-potential-eviction-seek-legal-help-with-new-law-expansion|url-status=live}} Since the original law passed in 2017, providing legal help throughout the entire eviction case, the council has found 84% of tenants were able to stay in their homes. The council members "say this will help keep families together and prevent displacement." Torres said, "NYCHA is one of the worst evictees in the city ... Not just one of the worst landlords, but one of the worst evictors. In 2018 alone, 838 families lost their homes in the hands of the NYCHA."{{cite web|url=https://pix11.com/2019/08/23/nycha-seniors-fear-eviction-can-get-a-free-lawyer-now/|title=NYCHA seniors who fear eviction can get a free lawyer|last=Morales|first=Monica|date=August 23, 2019|website=WPIX 11 New York|language=en|access-date=August 25, 2019|archive-date=August 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825020607/https://pix11.com/2019/08/23/nycha-seniors-fear-eviction-can-get-a-free-lawyer-now/|url-status=live}}
= Combating gig worker tip theft =
In April 2019, Torres worked on legislation aimed to compel companies that employ gig workers to be transparent if the worker's tips are diverted to pay base salary.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-doordash-postmates-ritchie-torres-20190417-kpifkjhbwrezzba477wx42sioy-story.html|title=Legislation aims to shed light on delivery app tipping practices|last=Sanders|first=Anna|date=April 17, 2019|website=New York Daily News|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725164958/https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ny-doordash-postmates-ritchie-torres-20190417-kpifkjhbwrezzba477wx42sioy-story.html|url-status=live}} Mobile app delivery companies, like DoorDash—which has freelance workers pickup and deliver meals from restaurants—Amazon's Prime Now, and Instacart, usually allow customers to add a gratuity, but the companies were counting the tips toward regular payment.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/4/24/18513559/tipping-policies-doordash-instacart-amazon-flex-new-york-bill|title=Some delivery apps pocket their workers' tips. A new bill aims to expose the practice.|last=Lieber|first=Chavie|date=April 24, 2019|website=Vox|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726021941/https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/4/24/18513559/tipping-policies-doordash-instacart-amazon-flex-new-york-bill|url-status=live}} Torres characterized the practice as exploiting "an underclass of independent contractors", and hopes the city council can ban the practice altogether. Vox noted the gig economy is in need of regulation for the estimated 57 million workers (in the U.S.) who have little protection, and few if any benefits. Torres's bill would compel these companies to be transparent about the practice "by explicitly stating it in their terms of service or by sending a notification as a transaction is being approved".
= Taxi medallion predatory loans =
As chair of the oversight and investigations committee, newly empowered in January 2018 by city council speaker Corey Johnson,{{cite web|url=https://citylimits.org/2018/01/17/max-murphy-ritchie-torres-on-the-city-councils-bulked-up-oversight-role/|title=Ritchie Torres on the Council's Bulked Up Oversight Role|last=Murphy|first=Jarrett|date=January 17, 2018|website=City Limits|language=en-US|access-date=July 18, 2019|archive-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718052156/https://citylimits.org/2018/01/17/max-murphy-ritchie-torres-on-the-city-councils-bulked-up-oversight-role/|url-status=live}} Torres said he had documentation that as early as 2010 the Bloomberg administration was "aware that medallion prices could crumple", a year before ride hailing pioneer Uber started its service in the city. Medallion prices dropped considerably in 2014, likely due to competition from ride-share companies.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/19/nyregion/nyc-taxis-medallions-suicides.html|title='They Were Conned': How Reckless Loans Devastated a Generation of Taxi Drivers|last=Rosenthal|first=Brian M.|date=May 19, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 20, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520000028/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/19/nyregion/nyc-taxis-medallions-suicides.html|url-status=live}} Medallion owners sued the city and Uber in November 2015.{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/11/cab-medallion-owners-sue-nyc-blame-uber-for-ruining-business/|title=Cab medallion owners sue NYC, blame Uber for ruining business|last=Mullin|first=Joe|date=November 17, 2015|work=Ars Technica|access-date=March 20, 2017|language=en-us|archive-date=March 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321083306/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2015/11/cab-medallion-owners-sue-nyc-blame-uber-for-ruining-business/|url-status=live}} By 2017, 60,000 ride-share vehicles outnumbered medallion vehicles by almost 4 to 1,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/15/nyregion/yellow-cab-long-a-fixture-of-city-life-is-for-many-a-thing-of-the-past.html|title=Yellow Cab, Long a Fixture of City Life, Is for Many a Thing of the Past|last=Hu|first=Winnie|date=January 15, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 20, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319044154/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/15/nyregion/yellow-cab-long-a-fixture-of-city-life-is-for-many-a-thing-of-the-past.html|url-status=live}} and many medallion owners faced the prospect of bankruptcy or severe debt because of the low medallion prices, which few were willing to pay.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/nyregion/new-york-taxi-medallions-uber.html|title=Taxi Medallions, Once a Safe Investment, Now Drag Owners Into Debt|last=Hu|first=Winnie|date=September 10, 2017|work=The New York Times|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013223544/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/10/nyregion/new-york-taxi-medallions-uber.html|archive-date=October 13, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} Torres said the "medallion market collapse is a cautionary tale" and "one of the greatest government scandals in the history of New York City".
In July 2019, the city council considered how to address the city's taxicab industry with the National Taxi Workers' Alliance's concerns that the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission knowingly sold medallions at inflated prices, bringing in $1 billion in revenue to city government, while saddling "thousands of drivers with impossible debt loads", leading to suicides.{{cite web|url=http://thechiefleader.com/news/open_articles/council-considers-bailout-for-cab-owners-free-article/article_5c45973c-a4aa-11e9-8fba-d72ea9dc42cb.html|title=Council Considers Bailout for Cab Owners|last=Hennelly|first=Bob|date=July 17, 2019|website=The Chief Leader|language=en|access-date=July 18, 2019|archive-date=July 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718034048/http://thechiefleader.com/news/open_articles/council-considers-bailout-for-cab-owners-free-article/article_5c45973c-a4aa-11e9-8fba-d72ea9dc42cb.html|url-status=live}}
= Cashless businesses =
In July 2019, Torres proposed legislation to address the movement in New York toward cashless business practices at stores and restaurants.{{cite web|url=https://www.amny.com/news/cashless-business-nyc-1.34162600|title=Vote nears on cashless business ban|last=Pereira|first=Ivan|date=July 22, 2019|website=A.M. New York|language=en|access-date=July 24, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724030857/https://www.amny.com/news/cashless-business-nyc-1.34162600|url-status=live}} He did so to preserve access for those who rely on cash for their purchases. The businesses accept only bank cards and e-commerce payments rather than hard currency, in part for higher efficiency, possibly streamlining both cashiering, and accounting; and for security reasons, as having cash risks robbery. According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, in 2017 16.9% of African-American households "and 14% of Latino households did not have a bank account"; 6.5% of all households did not have a bank account; and 18.7% with accounts also used non-insured institutions for financial transactions.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/09/09/going-cashless-if-you-do-these-cities-youre-breaking-law/2124163001/|title=Should you ditch your cash? A growing number of cities say no way|last=Jones|first=Charisse|date=September 9, 2019|work=USA Today|archive-date=September 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914003157/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/09/09/going-cashless-if-you-do-these-cities-youre-breaking-law/2124163001/|url-status=live}} In New York City, 12% did not have bank accounts in 2013, including "domestic violence survivors who don't wish to be traced and undocumented immigrants as some of those who may face significant challenges when opening bank accounts".{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/york-city-latest-punish-cashless-businesses/story?id=64492022|title=City could become latest to punish cashless businesses|last=Allen|first=Karma|date=July 23, 2019|website=ABC News|language=en|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726103956/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/york-city-latest-punish-cashless-businesses/story?id=64492022|url-status=live}} They instead often use payday loans and check cashing facilities. Torres's proposal would fine noncompliant businesses, while allowing them to refuse currency higher than $20 bills. It also prohibits charging more for using cash.
= Third-Party Transfer program =
In July 2019, Torres, as chair of the oversight and investigation committee, and Robert Cornegy, chair of the committees on housing and buildings, released a report from the joint committee that conducted a city council forensic investigation into the city's Third-Party Transfer (TPT) program.{{cite web|url=https://www.kingscountypolitics.com/city-council-forensic-study-finds-glaring-discrepancies-in-tpt-program/|title=City Council Forensic Study Finds Glaring Discrepancies In TPT Program|last=Witt|first=Stephen|date=July 23, 2019|website=Kings County Politics|language=en-US|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=August 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811171435/https://www.kingscountypolitics.com/city-council-forensic-study-finds-glaring-discrepancies-in-tpt-program/|url-status=live}} The TPT was started in 1996 under Giuliani's administration to let the Department of Housing and Preservation (HPD) transfer "derelict, tax-delinquent buildings to nonprofits that could rehabilitate and manage them", ostensibly for working-class people, freeing the city from ownership, or responsibility for tenants.{{cite web|url=https://www.city-journal.org/sometimes-lien-just-lien|title=Sometimes a Lien Is Just a Lien|last=Barron|first=Seth|date=July 24, 2019|website=City Journal|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724233242/https://www.city-journal.org/sometimes-lien-just-lien|url-status=live}} HPD followed a rule selecting "every other building in the same tax block with a lien—even for a few hundred dollars"—if even one was picked for TPT. Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration characterized the TPT as a tool for taking over "distressed properties" in "blighted" areas".{{cite web|url=https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/council-rips-de-blasios-home-seizure-program|title=Council rips de Blasio's home-seizure program|last=Bredderman|first=Will|date=July 23, 2019|website=Crain's New York Business|language=en|access-date=July 25, 2019|archive-date=July 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724190343/https://www.crainsnewyork.com/real-estate/council-rips-de-blasios-home-seizure-program|url-status=live}} The report,{{Efn|Taking Stock: A look Into The Third Party Transfer Program in Modern Day New York}} however, holds that characterization is in tension with its findings, which implicate malfeasance by both NYC's HPD and the Department of Finance (DOF), detailing how the agencies were "targeting and taking of numerous black and brown owned properties, and thus stripping these communities of millions of dollars of generational wealth". According to Torres, "TPT is quite different from and far harsher than a typical foreclosure from the perspective of a property owner. If you are the target of a foreclosure, you get a share of the proceeds from the sale of your property. Under TPT, the city can completely strip you of all the equity in your property".{{cite web|url=https://www.norwoodnews.org/id=29111&story=torres-home-seizure-program-has-sights-on-black-and-hispanic-homeowners/|title=Torres: Home Seizure Program Has Sights on Black and Hispanic Homeowners|last1=Turay|first1=Michael|last2=Cruz|first2=David|date=July 26, 2019|website=Norwood News|language=en-US|access-date=July 26, 2019|archive-date=July 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726234543/https://www.norwoodnews.org/id%3D29111%26story%3Dtorres-home-seizure-program-has-sights-on-black-and-hispanic-homeowners/|url-status=live}} The TPT process strips the minority owner of the property and its value, and mitigates the sweat equity and resources invested—all with no compensation.
=LGBT advocacy =
Torres helped open the first homeless shelter for LGBT youth in the Bronx. He also secured funds for senior centers to serve LGBT people in all five NYC boroughs.
= Guns and gang violence =
In August 2019, Torres announced the city council was awarding $36.2 million for gun violence prevention and reduction.{{cite web|url=http://bronx.news12.com/story/40901034/councilman-announces-dollar362m-in-funding-for-antiviolence-programs|title=Councilman announces $36.2M in funding for anti-violence programs|website=Bronx News 12|language=en|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820130423/http://bronx.news12.com/story/40901034/councilman-announces-dollar362m-in-funding-for-antiviolence-programs|url-status=live}} He said shooting incidents in New York City were up from 413 in the first half of 2018 to 551 in the same period of 2019.
U.S. House of Representatives
= Elections =
== 2020 ==
{{main|2020 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 15}}
Torres has said that he is "intent on advancing politically", and has been floated as a future candidate for mayor of New York City.{{cite web|last1=Barkan|first1=Ross|title=Could This 27-Year-Old Councilman Be the Mayor of New York One Day?|url=http://observer.com/2016/01/could-this-27-year-old-councilman-be-the-mayor-of-new-york-one-day/|website=observer.com|date=January 13, 2016 |access-date=December 20, 2016|archive-date=December 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228022358/http://observer.com/2016/01/could-this-27-year-old-councilman-be-the-mayor-of-new-york-one-day/|url-status=live}} His "goal is to be a national champion for the urban poor."
In July 2019, Torres announced his candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives for {{ushr|NY|15}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.queerty.com/openly-gay-millennial-challenging-76-year-old-homophobe-ny-congressional-seat-20190715|title=This gay millennial is challenging a 76-year-old homophobe for a NY Congressional seat|last=Gremore|first=Graham|date=July 15, 2019|website=www.queerty.com|access-date=July 16, 2019|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716233006/https://www.queerty.com/openly-gay-millennial-challenging-76-year-old-homophobe-ny-congressional-seat-20190715|url-status=live}} In his announcement, Torres shared his history of depression. Torres said he was seeking the office to pursue "his legislative passions of overhauling public housing and focusing on the issues of concentrated poverty".{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-lawmaker-says-his-congressional-run-against-alleged-homophobe-personal-n1031896|title=Gay lawmaker says his congressional run against 'homophobe' is personal|last=Fitzsimons|first=Tim|date=July 20, 2019|website=NBC News|language=en|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721134750/https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-lawmaker-says-his-congressional-run-against-alleged-homophobe-personal-n1031896|url-status=live}} The 15th congressional district is the nation's poorest in terms of median income. Torres said, "If you are on a mission to fight racially concentrated poverty ... then you have to be a policymaker on the national stage". He favors maximizing social housing in the nation, including the ending of land-use bans of apartments,{{Explain|date=June 2024}} which he says will result in the reduction of carbon emissions, as well as increase affordable housing. Torres came under criticism for his willingness to take real estate cash donations during his campaign.{{cite web|url=https://www.gaycitynews.com/tensions-flare-as-stonewall-endorses-ritchie-torres/|title=Tensions Flare as Stonewall Endorses Ritchie Torres|last=Tracy|first=Matt|date=October 25, 2019|website=Gay City News|language=en-US|access-date=April 22, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422231905/https://www.gaycitynews.com/tensions-flare-as-stonewall-endorses-ritchie-torres/|url-status=live}}
Torres's main opponent as he started campaigning in the Democratic primary was Rubén Díaz Sr., a conservative Democrat and Pentecostal minister, who does not believe in, and openly stood in opposition to, same-sex marriage.{{cite web|url=http://bronx.news12.com/story/40793314/n12-bite-teen-girls-to-take-over-the-bronx-soon-a-gay-councilman-to-challenge-his-allegedly-homophobic-counterpart-and-more|title=N12 Bite: Teen girls to take over the Bronx soon, a gay councilman to challenge his allegedly homophobic counterpart and more|website=bronx.news12.com|language=en|access-date=July 17, 2019|archive-date=July 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717003319/http://bronx.news12.com/story/40793314/n12-bite-teen-girls-to-take-over-the-bronx-soon-a-gay-councilman-to-challenge-his-allegedly-homophobic-counterpart-and-more|url-status=live}} Media outlets contextualized the contest between the two, noting their age difference; contrasting levels of experience; and Torres's open homosexuality versus Díaz's track record of anti-LGBT rhetoric. Torres said he saw Díaz as "temperamentally and ideologically indistinguishable" from Donald Trump. According to The New York Times, Díaz had "a decades-long history of making homophobic remarks";{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/15/nyregion/torres-diaz-bronx-congress.html|title=He's Gay. His Main Opponent Makes Homophobic Remarks.|last=Mays|first=Jeffery C.|date=July 15, 2019|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 17, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=July 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716224650/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/15/nyregion/torres-diaz-bronx-congress.html|url-status=live}} LGBTQ Nation said his anti-LGBT rhetoric started in the early 1990s, right after his start in city politics, when he claimed the city's hosting the 1994 Gay Games "would spread AIDS and corrupt children".{{cite web|url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/07/can-gay-millenial-color-beat-homophobic-minister-ny-congressional-seat/|title=Can a gay millenial of color beat a homophobic minister for a NY Congressional seat?|last=Gallagher|first=John|date=July 20, 2019|website=www.lgbtqnation.com|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721020903/https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2019/07/can-gay-millenial-color-beat-homophobic-minister-ny-congressional-seat/|url-status=live}} In February 2019, Díaz said that the City Council was "controlled by homosexuals"; in response, the council dissolved a subcommittee he chaired. {{As of|2019|July|df=}}, Torres had raised $500,000 and Díaz $80,000. Torres was endorsed by the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and the Congressional Equality Caucus (Equality PAC).
The Democratic primary was held on June 23. Although an official winner had not yet been declared, Torres declared victory in the primary on July 22.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/23/us/elections/results-new-york-house-district-15-primary-election.html|title=New York Primary Election Results: 15th Congressional District|work=The New York Times |date=June 23, 2020 |via=NYTimes.com|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=June 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628005333/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/06/23/us/elections/results-new-york-house-district-15-primary-election.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/new-york/|title=Live election results: New York primaries 2020|website=www.politico.com|access-date=June 28, 2020|archive-date=June 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626194416/https://www.politico.com/2020-election/results/new-york/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://gothamist.com/news/torres-declares-victory-bronx-contest-board-election-ballot-counting-continues|title=Torres Declares Victory In Bronx Contest As Board Of Election Ballot Counting Continues|date=July 22, 2020 |access-date=November 4, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124042258/https://gothamist.com/news/torres-declares-victory-bronx-contest-board-election-ballot-counting-continues|url-status=live}} As the seat for which he was running is one of the safest Democratic seats in the country, he was expected to win the general election, after which he would become one of the first openly gay black Congressmen in U.S. history, along with Mondaire Jones in the 17th district.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5858705/ritchie-torres-mondaire-jones-gay-black-congress/|title=Two Democratic Candidates Poised To Become the First Openly Gay Black Congressmen|magazine=Time|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624213755/https://time.com/5858705/ritchie-torres-mondaire-jones-gay-black-congress/|url-status=live}} On August 4, local election officials declared Torres the winner of the primary.{{cite web |author=Matt Stevens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/04/nyregion/maloney-torres-ny-congressional-races.html |title=After 6 Weeks, Victors Are Declared in 2 N.Y. Congressional Primaries - The New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024730/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/04/nyregion/maloney-torres-ny-congressional-races.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/six-weeks-later-election-officials-declare-winners-in-two-ny-democratic-primaries/2020/08/04/851ddfa0-d67e-11ea-aff6-220dd3a14741_story.html |title=Six weeks later, election officials declare winners in two N.Y. Democratic primaries |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 4, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805022118/https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/six-weeks-later-election-officials-declare-winners-in-two-ny-democratic-primaries/2020/08/04/851ddfa0-d67e-11ea-aff6-220dd3a14741_story.html |url-status=live }} This all but assured him of being the next congressman from this heavily Democratic, Latino-majority district. The 15th and its predecessors have been in Democratic hands for all but 11 months since 1927, the lone break in this tradition being American Labor Party member Leo Isacson from February 1948 to January 1949. It has been held by Latino congressmen since 1971.
== 2024 ==
{{Main|2024 United States House of Representatives elections in New York#District 15}}
For the 2024 elections, Torres ran for reelection and successfully defeated Conservative Party candidate Gonzalo Duran, who was endorsed by the Republican Party. Duran, a U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant veteran of the Iraq War, serves as the CEO of a Devil Dog USA a nonprofit organization, the vice chairman of the Bronx Conservative Party and District Leader of the 79th Assembly District.{{Cite news |last=MOLONEY |first=SÍLE |date=November 4, 2024 |title=Elections 2024: Ritchie Torres on Fighting for The Bronx, Challenges in D.C. & Gaza |url=https://www.norwoodnews.org/elections-2024-ritchie-torres-on-fighting-for-the-bronx-challenges-in-d-c-gaza/ }}{{Cite news |last=MOLONEY |first=SÍLE |date=November 4, 2024 |title=UPDATE Elections 2024: Gonzalo Duran on Transparency, Accountability & Leadership |url=https://www.norwoodnews.org/update-elections-2024-gonzalo-duran-on-transparency-accountability-leadership/ }}{{Cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Izania |date=November 15, 2024 |title=Bronx democrats vow to stand by their constituents amid national political shift |url=https://www.riverdalepress.com/stories/bronx-democrats-vow-to-standby-their-constituents-amid-national-political-shift,164453 }}
= Tenure =
Torres won the November general election. He took office on January 3, 2021. Upon his swearing-in, he became the first openly gay Afro-Latin American member of Congress.{{cite web|url=https://victoryfund.org/news/victory-fund-endorses-ritchie-torres/|title=Victory Fund Endorses Ritchie Torres for US Congress; Faces Anti-LGBTQ Opponent in Effort to Become First LGBTQ Afro-Latinx Member of Congress|last=Byrne|first=Robert|website=LGBTQ Victory Fund|language=en-US|access-date=July 30, 2019|archive-date=July 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730020802/https://victoryfund.org/news/victory-fund-endorses-ritchie-torres/|url-status=live}}
On August 6, 2021, Torres introduced H.R. 4980, which would "ensure that any individual traveling on a flight that departs from or arrives to an airport inside the United States or a territory of the United States is fully vaccinated against COVID-19."{{Cite web|last=Downing|first=Suzanne|date=2021-08-15|title=Congressman files bill to make vaccines mandatory for commercial flight|url=https://mustreadalaska.com/congressman-files-bill-to-make-vaccines-mandatory-for-commercial-flight/|access-date=2021-08-26|website=Must Read Alaska|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Torres|first=Ritchie|date=2021-08-06|title=Actions - H.R.4980 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): To direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to ensure that any individual traveling on a flight that departs from or arrives to an airport inside the United States or a territory of the United States is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and for other purposes.|url=https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/4980/all-actions|access-date=2021-08-26|website=www.congress.gov}}
Torres voted with President Joe Biden's stated position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress, according to a FiveThirtyEight analysis.{{Cite web |last1=Bycoffe |first1=Aaron |last2=Wiederkehr |first2=Anna |date=2021-04-22 |title=Does Your Member Of Congress Vote With Or Against Biden? |url=https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-congress-votes/house/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210522014239/https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/biden-congress-votes/house/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 22, 2021 |access-date=2023-11-15 |website=FiveThirtyEight |language=en}}
Torres was among the 46 Democrats who voted against final passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 in the House.{{Cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4029522-republicans-and-democrats-who-bucked-party-leaders-by-voting-no/|title=Republicans and Democrats who bucked party leaders by voting no|first=Jared|last=Gans|date=May 31, 2023|access-date=June 6, 2023|work=The Hill}} He said his vote was motivated by the new SNAP requirements included in the deal, which raised the work requirements from able-bodied adults under age 50 who do not live with any dependent children to adults under age 54, and the diversion of $20 billion in funding for the Internal Revenue Service.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cityandstateny.com/politics/2023/05/where-do-new-york-members-congress-stand-debt-ceiling-deal/386977/|title=Update: How New York members of Congress voted on the debt ceiling deal|first1= Shantel|last1= Destra|first2= Eric|last2= Holmberg|date=May 31, 2023|access-date=Dec 26, 2023|work=City & State}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.riverdalepress.com/stories/forced-debt-ceiling-bill-is-fraud,111885?|title=Forced 'debt ceiling' bill is fraud
|first1= Torres|last1= Ritchie|date=June 11, 2023|access-date=Dec 26, 2023|work=Riverdale Press}}
==Legislation==
Torres reintroduced The B.O.D.E.G.A. Act in The House of Representatives in 2025. If signed into law, the legislation will address combating crime within the property of a business that sells food, like delis and bodegas. It would require that all bodegas and similar businesses be equipped with panic buttons to quickly alert local law enforcement of violent acts on the premises. The Federal Government might fund the owners to purchase surveillance technology and security cameras.{{cite web | url=https://www.riverdalepress.com/stories/us-rep-ritchie-torres-reintroduces-bodega-act,173053 | title=U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres reintroduces BODEGA Act | date=March 7, 2025 }}
= Committee assignments =
;Current
- Committee on Financial Services{{Cite web|url=https://www.speaker.gov/newsroom/121720|title=Pelosi Announces Exclusive Committee Assignments for 117th Congress|date=December 17, 2020|website=Speaker Nancy Pelosi}}
- Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence
- Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance
- Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions
;Former
- Committee on Homeland Security
- Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party{{cite web |url=https://clerk.house.gov/committees/ZS00 | title=Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party - 118th Congress Profile }}
=Caucuses=
- Congressional Progressive Caucus (2021–2024){{Cite news |last=Timotija |first=Filip |date=2024-02-20 |title=New York Democrat leaves Congressional Progressive Caucus after splitting with members over Israel |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4479942-new-york-democrat-leaves-congressional-progressive-caucus-after-splitting-with-members-over-israel/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |work=The Hill |language=en-US}}
- Congressional Equality Caucus (Co-chair)
- Black Maternal Health Caucus{{cite web|title=Caucus Members
|author=|url=https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/about-caucus/caucus-members|format=|publisher=Black Maternal Health Caucus|date=|accessdate=3 July 2025}}
- Congressional Black Caucus{{cite web|title=Memberships|author=|url=https://cbc.house.gov/membership/state.htm|format=|publisher=Congressional Black Caucus|date=|accessdate=17 June 2025}}
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus
- Congressional Blockchain Caucus{{cite web|title=Members|author=|url=https://congressionalblockchaincaucus-schweikert.house.gov/members|format=|publisher=Congressional Blockchain Caucus|date=July 13, 2023|accessdate=29 August 2024}}
Political positions
Torres says that he is a loyal Democrat and "generally in agreement with the planks of the Democratic platform." He has blamed the far-left flank of his party for causing Donald Trump's reelection and has deleted his left-wing posts and issues on his website.{{Cite web |last=Beeferman |first=Jason |date=2025-01-16 |title=You’ve been blocked by Ritchie Torres |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2025/01/16/ritchie-torres-twitter-block-beef-post-kathy-hochul-00198723 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}
= Cryptocurrency =
Torres is viewed as an ally of the cryptocurrency industry.{{cite web |title=Ritchie Torres went from crypto 'newbie' to key ally in Washington. Now he could shape the industry's post-FTX future |url=https://fortune.com/crypto/2023/01/26/ritchie-torres-cryptocurrency-blockchain-web3-financial-inclusion/}} He is a member of the Congressional Blockchain Caucus and has been a prominent critic of SEC chair Gary Gensler's "regulation by enforcement" strategy towards cryptocurrencies.{{cite web |date=July 13, 2023 |title=Members | Congressional Blockchain Caucus |url=https://congressionalblockchaincaucus-schweikert.house.gov/members}}{{cite web |title=N.Y.'s Torres Asks if SEC Will Ease up on Cryptocurrencies |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2023/07/18/nys-torres-asks-if-sec-will-ease-up-on-cryptocurrencies/?sh=3ced8b9b5dad |website=Forbes}}
= Environment =
Torres has voiced support for a Green New Deal and was endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters in 2020. He suggested that public housing should be "a model for green and energy efficient buildings to help combat climate change while addressing its capital needs."{{Cite web|date=2020-06-25|title=This week's primaries bode well for the Green New Deal|url=https://grist.org/politics/this-weeks-primaries-bode-well-for-the-green-new-deal/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Grist|language=en-us}} Torres has called the Cross Bronx Expressway "a structure of environmental racism" and supports a plan to cover the highway with green space.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-30|title=The plan to transform one of New York City's dirtiest freeways into green space|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/nov/30/plan-transform-cross-bronx-expressway-green-space|access-date=2022-02-05|website=the Guardian|language=en}}
= Elon Musk =
On welcoming Elon Musk back to the Democratic party fold, Torres said that "I'm a believer in redemption, and he is telling the truth about the" One Big Beautiful Bill Act after Musk feuded with Trump over the legislation. He also added that Musk has "done an enormous amount of damage" and "there are Democrats who see his decimation of the federal workforce and the federal government as an unforgivable sin."{{Cite web |last=Otterbein |first=Holly |last2=Kashinsky |first2=Lisa |last3=Johansen |first3=Ben |last4=Cai |first4=Sophia |date=2025-06-04 |title=Dems eye a villain-to-ally arc for Musk |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook-remaking-government/2025/06/04/dems-eye-a-villain-to-ally-arc-for-musk-00385945 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-06-05 |title=Democrats eye a villain-to-ally arc for Elon Musk |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/05/elon-musk-democrats-donald-trump-00389961 |access-date=2025-06-06 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}
= Foreign policy =
In 2023, Torres was among 56 Democrats to vote in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, which directed President Joe Biden to remove U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.{{cite web |date=March 8, 2023 |title=H.Con.Res. 21: Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of … -- House Vote #136 -- Mar 8, 2023 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2023/h136}}{{cite news |date=March 8, 2023 |title=House Votes Down Bill Directing Removal of Troops From Syria |url=https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2023-03-08/house-votes-down-bill-directing-removal-of-troops-from-syria |agency=Associated Press}}
In July 2023, Torres was among 49 Democrats to break with President Joe Biden, by voting for a ban on cluster munitions to Ukraine.{{cite web |last=Fortinsky |first=Sarah |date=July 14, 2023 |title=Almost 50 Democrats snub Biden with vote against cluster bombs for Ukraine |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4097677-almost-50-democrats-snub-biden-with-vote-against-cluster-bombs-for-ukraine/ |access-date=27 December 2023 |work=The Hill}}{{cite web |title=H.Amdt. 243 (Greene) to H.R. 2670: To prohibit cluster munitions or cluster munitions technology be sold or transferred to Ukraine.-- House Vote #317 -- Jul 13, 2023 |url=https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/118-2023/h317}}
Torres voted in favor of three military aid package supplementals for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan respectively in April 2024, along with most Democrats.{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2024-04-20 |title=Roll Call 152 Roll Call 152, Bill Number: H. R. 8034, 118th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024152?Page=1 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2024-04-20 |title=Roll Call 151 Roll Call 151, Bill Number: H. R. 8035, 118th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024151?Page=1 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Washington |first1=U. S. Capitol Room H154 |last2=p:225-7000 |first2=DC 20515-6601 |date=2024-04-20 |title=Roll Call 146 Roll Call 146, Bill Number: H. R. 8036, 118th Congress, 2nd Session |url=https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2024146?Page=1 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives |language=en}} In a statement after the vote, he said "The US has a singular obligation to help freedom fighters fight for their freedom, and nowhere more so than in Ukraine, whose self-defense against Putin’s aggression must prevail."{{Cite web |date=2024-04-20 |title=Congress passes bill that could unlock billions in frozen Russian assets for Ukraine |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/house-vote-billions-dollars-russian-government-money-sitting-us-banks-rcna148671 |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=NBC News |language=en}}
== Israel ==
File:2024-06-25 Embassy of Israel - We Belong - Pride and Solidarity, Washington, DC USA 177 33526.jpg in 2024 at a Pride and Solidarity event featuring Daniel-Ryan Spaulding, Judy Gold, and H.E. Michael Herzog]]
Torres has called himself "the embodiment of a pro-Israel progressive"{{Cite web|last=Kornbluh|first=Jacob|author-link=Jacob Kornbluh|date=2019-12-05|title=Ritchie Torres: 'I am the embodiment of a pro-Israel progressive'|url=https://jewishinsider.com/2019/12/ritchie-torres-i-am-the-embodiment-of-a-pro-israel-progressive/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Jewish Insider|language=en-US}} and has identified as a Zionist.{{Cite web |last=Coltin |first=Jeff |date=2023-10-27 |title=POLITICO Q&A: Rep. Ritchie Torres is Israel's loudest House supporter |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2023/10/27/rep-ritchie-torres-is-israels-loudest-house-supporter-00123969 |access-date=2025-03-08 |website=POLITICO |language=en}} The progressive group Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) notes that he is "aggressively pro-Israel".{{Cite web |date=2021-01-26 |title=Ritchie Torres: The AOC Alternative Who Isn't |url=https://fair.org/home/ritchie-torres-the-aoc-alternative-who-isnt/ |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=FAIR |language=en-US}} After winning election in 2020, he announced that he would not join The Squad, a group of left-wing Democratic representatives, because members did not vote for a resolution to condemn the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Torres has described his "revulsion" to the "extremism" of the BDS movement that he says questions the legitimacy and existence of Israel as a Jewish state. He has contrasted BDS's stagnancy with what he called the "path to peace" presented by the Abraham Accords.Radosh, Robert. [https://sapirjournal.org/zionism/2022/05/saving-israel-for-democrats/ "Saving Israel for Democrats."] Sapir Journal. Spring 2022. 25 May 2022. He supported a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine in 2022.{{Cite news|last=Samuels|first=Ben|date=December 21, 2020|title='Pro-Israel Progressive' Ritchie Torres Won't Join AOC's Squad Due to BDS Stance|language=en|work=Haaretz|url=https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-pro-israel-progressive-ritchie-torres-won-t-join-aoc-s-squad-due-to-bds-stance-1.9389672|access-date=2022-02-05}} Torres has said his first visit to Israel, led by the Jewish Community Relations Council in 2015, was a "life-changing experience".
Torres has been a longtime outspoken supporter of Israel and has argued with other Democrats against a Gaza ceasefire.{{Cite news |title=Ritchie Torres vs. the Left |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/182367/ritchie-torres-vs-left |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583}} Politico has described him as Israel's "loudest" supporter.{{Cite news |title=Ritchie Torres vs. the Left |url=https://newrepublic.com/article/182367/ritchie-torres-vs-left |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583}} Torres has accused Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman's critics of attacking him for his "unapologetic pro-Israel politics" since media revelations about Fetterman's health.{{Cite news |title=Republicans Back John Fetterman After Flood of Damning Reports |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/195091/republicans-support-john-fetterman |access-date=2025-05-11 |work=The New Republic |issn=0028-6583}}
In the 2024 election cycle AIPAC became the largest financial contributor to Rep. Torres's campaign for reelection, with total donations amounting to $535,398.{{Cite web |title=Rep. Ritchie Torres - Campaign Finance Summary |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/ritchie-torres/summary?cid=N00044346 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=OpenSecrets |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Rep. Ritchie Torres - New York ( District 15) |url=https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/ritchie-torres/contributors?cid=N00044346&cycle=CAREER&type=I}}
=== Gaza war ===
In November 2023, Torres rejected calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. He called claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip a "blood libel".{{cite news |title=Two Young Democratic Stars Collide Over Israel and Their Party's Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/11/nyregion/aoc-torres-israel-gaza.html |work=The New York Times |date=November 11, 2023}}
On November 7, 2023, Torres was one of 22 House Democrats who voted successfully to censure Rashida Tlaib, passing a resolution that accused her of, "...promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack," as well as criticized, in particular, her use of the slogan "from the river to the sea".{{cite web |last1=Guo |first1=Kayla |title=House Censures Rashida Tlaib, Citing 'River to the Sea' Slogan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/07/us/politics/tlaib-censure-house-israel-gaza.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=11 November 2023 |date=November 7, 2023}} In explaining why he voted for the censure, Torres wrote on Twitter, "Congress has a right to take a principled stand against hate speech calling for the destruction of the world's only Jewish nation-state."{{cite web |last1=Papp |first1=Justin |title=House censures Rep. Rashida Tlaib over response to Israel-Hamas war |url=https://rollcall.com/2023/11/07/house-censures-rep-rashida-tlaib-over-response-to-israel-hamas-war/ |website=rollcall.com |publisher=Roll Call |access-date=25 December 2023 |date=November 7, 2023}} In February 2024, he left the Congressional Progressive Caucus due to disagreements over the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite web |last1=Timotija |first1=Filip |title=New York Democrat leaves Congressional Progressive Caucus after splitting with members over Israel |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4479942-new-york-democrat-leaves-congressional-progressive-caucus-after-splitting-with-members-over-israel/ |website=The Hill |access-date=January 20, 2025 |date=February 20, 2024}}
In 2024, Torres criticized and accused Fursan al-Aqsa's creator of "normalizing the most monstrous forms of antisemitic violence and terror—like beheadings, suicide bombings, and the war crimes of October 7th".{{cite web |last=Walker |first=Jackson |date=2024-12-06 |title=Democrat condemns Steam for October 7 massacre video game: 'Barbaric' |url=https://mynbc15.com/news/nation-world/ritchie-torres-condemns-steam-for-october-7-massacre-video-game-barbaric-rep-ritchie-torres-democrat-ny-friday-condemned-video-game-giant-steam-for-allowing-sales-of-a-game-which-lets-players-control-a-palestinian-terrorist-as-they-slay-jewish-israelis |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=WPMI}} Torres appeared in the films Blind Spot{{cite web |last=Russo-Lennon |first=Barbara |date=2024-10-18 |title=New Film Examines Antisemitism at NYC Colleges in 2024 |url=https://www.amny.com/news/new-film-antisemitism-at-nyc-colleges/ |access-date=2025-04-17 |website=amNewYork}} and October 8,{{cite web |author=Griffin |first=Laura |date=2024-11-27 |title=South Orange Filmmaker Takes a Hard Look at Rise in Antisemitism in U.S. Since Oct. 7 Terror Attacks |url=https://villagegreennj.com/towns/south-orange/south-orange-filmmaker-takes-a-hard-look-at-rise-in-antisemitism-in-u-s-since-oct-7-terror-attacks/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Village Green}}{{cite web |last=Carey |first=Matthew |date=2024-12-13 |title=Briarcliff Entertainment Acquires Oscar Contender 'October H8te,' Documentary On Exploding Rise Of Antisemitism After October 7 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/12/october-h8te-documentary-briarcliff-entertainment-acquisition-1236203283/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=Deadline}} discussing antisemitism on American campuses after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel and subsequent war.{{cite web |last1=Steinberg |first1=Jessica |last2=Magid |first2=Jacob |last3=Bachner |first3=Michael |last4=Fabian |first4=Emanuel |date=2024-11-05 |title='October H8te' documentary aims to understand US college alignment with Hamas |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/october-h8te-documentary-aims-to-understand-us-college-alignment-with-hamas/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=The Times of Israel}}{{cite web |last=Cashman |first=Greer Fay |date=2024-11-07 |title='On October 8, American Jews woke up': New documentary 'October H8TE' explains what's at stake |url=https://www.jpost.com/j-spot/article-827902 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Jerusalem Post}}{{cite web |last=Melman |first=Lana |date=2025-01-14 |title=Documentary exposes campus protests and hateful vitriol for what they are |url=https://www.jns.org/documentary-exposes-campus-protests-and-hateful-vitriol-for-what-they-are/ |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=JNS.org}}
= Immigration =
In January 2025, Torres was one of 48 Democrats to vote for the Laken Riley Act, which requires U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants charged with theft. Among those 48, he was one of seven who had previously voted against the bill in March 2024.{{cite magazine |last1=Rashud |first1=Hafiz |title=The 48 Democrats Who Voted to Deport Nonviolent Undocumented Offenders |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/189960/48-democrats-voted-deport-nonviolent-undocumented-offenders |access-date=January 7, 2025 |magazine=The New Republic |date=January 7, 2025}} Torres later became one of 46 House Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for a Senate-amended version of the bill.{{cite news |last=Rashid |first=Hafiz |date=January 22, 2025 |title=The 46 Democrats Who Voted for Republicans' Racist Immigration Bill |url=https://newrepublic.com/post/190569/list-house-democrats-vote-pass-laken-riley-act-immigration-bill |accessdate=January 31, 2025 |publisher=The New Republic}}
= Police =
Torres supported "defunding the police" at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement following the murder of George Floyd. He said that there "needs to be a radical redistribution of resources from policing into social services and community based alternatives to overcriminalization," and touted his work as a then-City Council member to successfully cut the NYPD’s budget.{{Cite web |last=Beeferman |first=Jason |date=2024-12-04 |title=Ritchie Torres' past support for 'Defund the Police' resurfaces |url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/new-york-playbook-pm/2024/12/04/ritchie-torres-defund-the-police-governor-kathy-hochul-democrat-00192618 |access-date=2025-02-09 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}
However, in February 2022, Torres said that "The defund police movement is dead in New York City and good riddance."{{Cite web |date=2022-02-03 |title=Joe Biden, Eric Adams Meeting Marks Democrats U-Turn on 'Defund the Police' |url=https://www.newsweek.com/joe-biden-eric-adams-meeting-marks-democrats-u-turn-defund-police-1675955 |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Newsweek |language=en}} In November 2024, during an interview on CNN with Jim Acosta, he said, "there was never a mass constituency for a movement like 'Defund the Police,' so we should be taking positions that are in line with the majority of Americans," and "I want to be crystal clear, the majority of Democrats never endorsed a movement like 'Defund the Police.'" He has blamed "Defund the Police" movement for Democrats' loss of the White House.
Personal life
Torres was raised Catholic, but is non practicing.
Electoral history
class="wikitable collapsible" |
valign=bottom
! colspan=4 | Election history |
valign=bottom
! Location ! Year ! Election ! Results |
rowspan="3" | NYC Council District 15 | rowspan="2" | 2013 | {{party shading/Democratic}}|Democratic Primary | {{tick}} Ritchie Torres 36.12% |
---|
{{party shading/hold}}|General
| {{tick}} Ritchie Torres (D) 91.15% |
2017
| {{party shading/hold}}|General | {{tick}} Ritchie Torres (D/WF) 93.6% |
rowspan="4" | United States Congress New York's 15th congressional district | rowspan="2" | 2020 | {{party shading/Democratic}}|Democratic Primary | {{tick}} Ritchie Torres 29.44% |
{{party shading/hold}}|General
| {{tick}} Ritchie Torres (D) 88.88% |
2022
| {{party shading/hold}}|General | {{tick}} Ritchie Torres (D) 82.70% |
2024
| {{party shading/hold}}|General | {{tick}} Ritchie Torres (D) 76.48% |
Notes
{{Notelist}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- [https://ritchietorres.house.gov Representative Ritchie Torres] official U.S. House website
- [https://www.torres.nyc/ Campaign website]
- {{C-SPAN|125371}}
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