Rep. Ritchie Torres of the South Bronx recently launched a new campaign social media account with the username @RitchieTorresNY, leading some top Democrats in New York to speculate that he may be considering a run for statewide office. Although Torres is currently focused on securing a third term in the House, insiders believe that his lack of explicit labeling on the new account could indicate plans for a potential run for governor, lieutenant governor, or state attorney general in 2026. Torres, who is openly gay and grew up in low-income public housing, is seen as a highly electable candidate by many in the state.
Despite his immediate concern with winning his upcoming House term, Torres has drawn significant national attention in the past year for his support of Israel and his role as the Democrats’ counter-messaging to Donald Trump’s recent appeal to black and Hispanic voters. The vagueness of his new campaign social media account has sparked curiosity among observers, with Torres introducing himself as the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress and emphasizing the importance of key issues such as democracy, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. While his background and advocacy work make him a strong candidate for statewide office, he may face challenges in gaining name recognition and overcoming more seasoned incumbents if he decides to run.
Some New York Democrats believe that Torres would have a more difficult path to higher office if current statewide incumbents like Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James seek reelection. While his youth and lack of name recognition may pose obstacles, Torres has been described as a national leader for LGBTQ rights, economic justice, and support for Israel. Prominent Democrat Robert Zimmerman suggested that crises could propel individuals like Torres into national leadership roles, making him a strong candidate for any open political positions at the state or national level. However, the specifics of who Torres might challenge in a potential statewide race remain uncertain at this time.
Torres’s office has not directly addressed speculation about his political future, with his communications director urging supporters to “like” and “follow” his new campaign social media account without providing further details. As the first openly gay Afro-Latino member of Congress and a vocal advocate for various social issues, Torres’s potential bid for statewide office has stirred interest among observers who see him as a viable contender. While he has yet to make any official announcements regarding his political intentions, Torres’s background and advocacy work have made him a notable figure in New York politics and beyond.
If Torres decides to pursue statewide office in the future, he will need to find issues that resonate beyond the lower-income communities he represents in the South Bronx. While his personal story and policy positions make him a compelling candidate, he will also need to establish name recognition and build a strong campaign to compete against more established incumbents. Despite the challenges he may face, Torres’s potential as a statewide candidate has not gone unnoticed by political insiders, who believe that he has the qualities and experience to lead effectively in a higher office. As he navigates his current House term and considers his political future, Torres’s next steps will be closely watched by those who see him as a rising star in New York politics.
