Ritchie Torres Will Not Challenge Kathy Hochul, Cites Urgent Need to Defend Social Safety Nets
New York Representative Ritchie Torres, a prominent voice for the LGBTQ+ community and a staunch advocate for his constituents in the South Bronx, announced Wednesday he is unlikely to mount a primary challenge against New York Governor Kathy Hochul in the upcoming gubernatorial race. Torres emphasized the critical need to focus on defending vital social programs facing potential cuts.
“It is unlikely that I will present myself to the post of governor,” Torres, 37, stated on MSNBC’s Morning Joe. “I have the impression that the assault we have seen on the social security net in the Bronx is so unprecedented. It’s so overwhelming that I will keep my goal on Washington, DC.” This announcement, quickly noted by Politico’s Jonathan Martin as “This is news!”, comes after a period of speculation regarding a potential bid against the incumbent governor.
Recent polling data presented a mixed picture of Torres’ potential viability. A May survey conducted by the Honan Strategy Group indicated a surprisingly close contest between Torres and Hochul among likely Democratic voters. However, a separate poll from Siena College showed Hochul maintaining a significant lead.
Torres’ decision is largely driven by his commitment to opposing what he calls a “disaster” – the so-called “Big Beau Bill” passed by the Senate and advancing in the House. This legislation, framed by Republicans as tax alternatives, poses a substantial threat to Medicaid and other essential safety net programs, particularly impacting marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals who disproportionately rely on public healthcare.
“The so-called major bill represents a betrayal of American workers and nowhere more than in the Bronx,” Torres asserted. “This will destabilize each health care provider, each hospital.” The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would increase the national deficit by $3.3 billion over a decade while simultaneously reducing Medicaid funding by over $1 billion.
This announcement arrives amidst a shifting political landscape in New York, following the June primary victory of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, who defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani’s campaign centered on issues of affordability and LGBTQ+ protections, including promises to expand gender-affirming care and establish an LGBTQIA+ business office. While acknowledging political differences with Mamdani, Torres praised his campaign’s momentum. “Regarding the way he led his campaign, he is really a singular figure,” he said.
Despite remaining in Washington, Torres affirmed his commitment to collaborating with Mamdani should he win his election. “The mayor needs the delegation of the New York Congress, and the delegation needs the mayor. This is a mutually necessary relationship,” he explained.
Torres has also demonstrated his commitment to LGBTQ+ rights through direct action, recently contributing to the Andry Hernández Romero Fund, which advocates for the freedom of a gay asylum seeker. Furthermore, he has joined other Democrats in urging the Secretary of the Treasury to protect federal workers from discriminatory policies.
Ultimately, Representative Torres’ decision reflects a strategic prioritization of his efforts in Congress, where he believes he can most effectively fight for the vulnerable communities he represents and safeguard critical social programs from potentially devastating cuts.
