Rep. Ritchie Torres secures Democratic nomination for reelection in New York's 15th Congressional District primary
Rep. Ritchie Torres won the Democratic primary in New York’s 15th Congressional District on June 23, 2026, defeating a progressive challenger and securing his path to reelection in the heavily Democratic Bronx district. Torres, who has increasingly found himself at odds with the progressive wing of his party over his vocal support for Israel, fended off the challenge with substantial fundraising advantages and strong support from his district.
Former state assemblyman Michael Blake mounted the primary challenge against Torres, seeking to capitalize on the congressman’s controversial stance on Israel and his distance from progressive Democratic priorities. However, Blake failed to gain the traction of other progressive insurgents who successfully challenged incumbents in New York’s 2024 primary elections.
Torres significantly outraised his opponent, bringing in nearly $6.7 million compared to Blake’s approximately $412,000, according to The Hill. The fundraising gap underscored Torres’ …