Ritchie Torres has a shot to take down Hochul or Adams thanks to common sense leadership
A clear sign there is still hope for New York comes with the news that Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres, a Democrat, is considering challenging either Mayor Adams next year or Gov.Hochul in 2026. The only pity is that he can’t challenge them both. Run, Ritchie, run! Torres often stands alone or is part of a small group of common-sense Dems in going against the party’s far-left agenda.
He refused to join the radical “Squad” in Congress and distinguished himself as an articulate and forceful supporter of Israel. A gay Afro-Puerto Rican raised as a Catholic in Throggs Neck, his voice rings with moral clarity when he talks about the scourge of antisemitism.He calls his first visit to Israel, in 2015, a “life-changing experience.” Noting that 45% of New York Jews voted for Donald Trump, compared to about 30% four years ago, Torres wrote on X that “The Anti-Israel fanaticism of the far left is entirely to blame for the erosion of Jewish support.” He calls the refrain among protesters that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza a “blood libel.” He was among just 22 House Dems last year who voted to censure Michigan Rep.
Rashida Tlaib for spreading false information about the Oct.7 invasion by Hamas and for her use of the slogan “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which would mean the destruction of Israel. Torres, just 36 years old, is equally direct in his criticism of Hochul and Adams, especially about their failures on public safety.
After serial stabber and recidivist Ramon Rivera allegedly killed three people in Manhattan, Torres wrote a scathing letter to both officials in which he cited instances where government officials had the right to detain Rivera but released him. “There must be consequences when government fails and when innocent New Yorkers lose their lives,” he wrote.“We live in a state and city where the only people seem to suffer consequences are the victims of crime and their loved ones.
Enough i...