Ritchie Torres Faces Primary Challenges From Left

Incumbent congressman confronts multiple progressive opponents in 2026 Democratic primary

A Growing Primary Field

Representative Ritchie Torres, who represents New York’s 15th Congressional District–the poorest in the nation–faces his most challenging election cycle since first winning the seat in 2020. Multiple progressive challengers have announced primary campaigns, inspired by Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory and frustrated with Torres’s political positions.

Public defender and DSA organizer Dalourny Nemorin leads the progressive challenge, joining former Assembly Member Michael Blake and left-wing candidate Jose Vega in the Democratic primary. Independent candidate Andre Easton, a public school teacher, has also announced a longshot general election campaign.

The Case Against Torres

Critics argue that Torres has prioritized wealthy donors over constituents’ needs. According to OpenSecrets data, Torres has received significant contributions from AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and supporters of President Donald Trump–unusual for a Democrat representing a heavily minority, working-class district.

Nemorin, who serves as chair of the policy and legislation committee on Bronx Community Board 1, stated: “I think the most harmful politician we have that represents me is Ritchie Torres, and that has become clearer and clearer when I’ve done my work.”

The AIPAC Factor

Torres’s strong support for Israeli government policies has become a flashpoint. In recent elections, AIPAC-funded super PACs have spent millions supporting moderate Democrats and opposing progressives, particularly those critical of Israeli policy toward Palestinians.

Organizations like J Street represent an alternative Jewish-American perspective on Middle East policy, advocating for a two-state solution and opposing unlimited military aid to Israel. The debate reflects broader divisions within the Democratic Party.

Nemorin’s Platform and Background

Dalourny Nemorin works as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, providing legal representation to indigent defendants. Her professional experience informs her policy priorities: criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and economic justice.

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the Bronx has been significantly affected by over-incarceration and harsh prosecution policies. Nemorin argues that her perspective as a public defender provides crucial insight into how policy affects ordinary residents.

The DSA Connection

Nemorin is a member of NYC-DSA and describes herself as “heavily involved” in the organization’s work. She’s exploring seeking the chapter’s official endorsement but notes that DSA is determining where to concentrate limited resources after its massive mayoral campaign.

NYC-DSA has successfully elected multiple officials, including Mamdani, AOC, and several state legislators and city council members. However, the organization has never before attempted to defeat a sitting member of Congress in a primary.

The Michael Blake Challenge

Former Assembly Member Michael Blake, who lost to Torres in the crowded 2020 primary, is running again. Blake represents a more moderate alternative to both Torres and the progressive challengers, positioning himself as someone who can unite the district’s diverse constituencies.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 15th District is approximately 65% Latino and 30% Black, with median household income well below the national average. Economic concerns dominate residents’ priorities.

Torres’s Response and Strengths

Torres spokesperson Benny Stanislawski dismissed the challenges: “Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres to be their voice fighting for them in Washington because he is a lifelong resident who has delivered real results for the community.”

Torres is a prolific fundraiser with a larger national profile than typical congressional representatives. He has cultivated relationships with national Democratic leaders and positioned himself as a pragmatic voice within the party.

Delivering Results

Torres points to his work on public housing and affordability issues. He has been vocal about conditions in NYCHA (New York City Housing Authority) developments and has sought federal funding for repairs and improvements.

According to NYCHA, the system houses over 400,000 New Yorkers, many in the Bronx. Chronic underfunding and deteriorating conditions have created urgent needs that require federal action.

The Mamdani Factor

Nemorin explicitly invoked Mamdani’s victory as proof that progressive challenges can succeed despite funding disadvantages. Mamdani’s strong performance in the Bronx–beating Andrew Cuomo by 11 points–suggests progressive economic messaging resonates with the district’s voters.

“I think the country is talking about a new type of representation, a new type of Democrat, a new type of leadership, which is what Zohran’s race represents,” Nemorin said.

The Resource Question

Congressional races differ from mayoral campaigns. According to the Federal Election Commission, successful House campaigns typically require raising between $2-5 million. Torres’s fundraising advantages are substantial.

However, DSA’s volunteer model helped Mamdani overcome similar disparities. If NYC-DSA endorses Nemorin or another progressive, the campaign could mobilize thousands of volunteers for canvassing and voter contact.

District Demographics and Turnout

Primary turnout in the 15th District has historically been low. Research from FairVote shows that congressional primaries typically see turnout between 10-20% of registered voters, creating opportunities for well-organized challengers.

The district’s working-class composition could favor progressive messaging focused on economic issues. However, Torres’s identity as an openly gay Afro-Latino from the Bronx also resonates with many constituents.

National Implications

The race will be closely watched as a test of progressive strength in diverse, working-class districts. Progressive victories in such areas would demonstrate broader appeal than critics acknowledge.

Organizations like Data for Progress have documented how economic populist messaging polls well across demographic groups. The Torres race will test whether this translates into electoral success.

The 2026 Timeline

The Democratic primary will likely occur in June 2026. All candidates face the challenge of building name recognition and organizing capacity over the next several months. Torres’s incumbency provides advantages, but Mamdani’s victory showed that establishment support doesn’t guarantee success.

As the race develops, it will reveal whether the “Mamdani Effect” extends beyond mayoral campaigns to congressional races–and whether progressive challengers can consistently compete against well-funded incumbents in the post-2025 political landscape.