Democrat Ritchie Torres’ torrent of attacks against own party fuels primary showdown buzz in New York

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., is considering a run for New York governor – and he’s raising his national profile with a tidal wave of criticism against leaders in his own party. Torres has been vocally opposed to the blue stronghold’s progressive criminal justice policies and has criticized how Gov. Kathy Hochul has managed the Empire State, raising eyebrows about a potentially bruising primary in 2026.

In a recent statement, Torres accused Hochul of making coded stereotypical remarks about young black Bronxites and criticized her for lacking understanding of communities of color. He also blamed the progressive left for Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss to President-elect Trump, suggesting that their alienation of key demographic groups had helped Trump’s victory.

Torres’ spokesperson confirmed that he is weighing a gubernatorial bid and plans to make a final decision by mid-2025. The congressman has been vocal in his criticism of Mayor Eric Adams for employing a staffer accused of tearing down posters of Israelis held hostage by Hamas, stating that antisemites would not be tolerated in his administration.

In November, Torres accused both Adams and Hochul of being complicit in a stabbing spree that resulted in three deaths, and he criticized New York’s policies as detrimental to business growth. He highlighted the regulatory environment in the state, which he claimed made it impossible to do business and hindered development.

Rep. Nick Langworthy, the former New York State Republican Party chair, noted that Torres’ criticisms of Hochul echoed those raised by Republicans, suggesting that the congressman was posturing in anticipation of a gubernatorial run. Torres had previously been a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus but left earlier this year over disagreements about Israel.

When asked about Torres’ criticism, Hochul dismissed it as political posturing and emphasized the importance of focusing on governing rather than election campaigns. She suggested that constituents would expect their representatives to prioritize their duties over political ambitions.

As Torres continues to raise his profile and challenge leaders within his own party, the political landscape in New York is likely to see increased tension and competition leading up to the 2026 gubernatorial race. Stay tuned for updates on Torres’ potential bid and the evolving dynamics of New York politics.