Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., faces a primary challenge from Michael Blake, who accuses the congressman of placing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu above the needs of his New York City district. Blake, a former Democratic National Committee vice chair and state lawmaker, announced his bid to unseat Torres, claiming the Bronx deserves “better than Ritchie Torres.”
Blake criticized Torres for allegedly prioritizing support for Israel over addressing local issues like the cost of living and grocery assistance. “We need to focus on how people need us to help them with groceries as opposed to Ritchie’s helping to support a genocide,” Blake stated. He emphasized his own record on economic concerns, despite previous unsuccessful campaigns for public office.
Torres’ spokesman, Benny Stanislawski, dismissed Blake’s efforts, calling him “not interested in the Bronx” and predicting another loss similar to Blake’s past electoral failures. Stanislawski highlighted Torres’ focus on issues like public housing and affordability, as well as his opposition to former President Donald Trump.
Torres, who has represented New York’s 15th Congressional District since 2021, has described himself as an “unapologetic Zionist.” His support for Israel has drawn scrutiny amid the Gaza conflict, though he acknowledged a moral obligation to address the humanitarian crisis there. “All parties, including the U.S. and Israel, have a moral obligation to ease the hardship in the Gaza Strip,” Torres said in August.
Blake declined to commit to supporting Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., if Democrats regain House control, further distancing himself from party leadership. The primary battle underscores growing tensions over foreign policy priorities and domestic governance in the district.
