Internet unimpressed as Ritchie Torres fuels speculation of NY governor bid with X campaign account

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Representative Ritchie Torres of South Bronx is potentially eyeing a statewide office run, hinted at by a new campaign social media account, according to prominent New York Democrats.

Torres, 36, who was elected to Congress in 2020 after serving seven years on the New York City Council, recently launched a social media page under the handle @RitchieTorresNY.

Ritchie Torres gained national attention for his support of Israel

Although Torres' immediate focus is on winning a third term in the House on November 5, some speculate that the ambiguous nature of the account hints at a potential run for governor, lieutenant governor, or attorney general in 2026.

"An unsaid fact in New York politics is that Ritchie Torres is very electable statewide, so a new campaign X account isn’t just fun — it’s fundamental to any bigger plans," said a well-connected New York Democrat not affiliated with Torres, told the New York Post.

He added, “Ritchie Torres could, without a doubt, be elected statewide — and every statewide politician knows it.”

Torres, who is openly gay, has garnered significant national attention over the past year for his vocal support of Israel. He is also among the few members of Congress who were raised in low-income public housing.

As the Democrats' key spokesperson, Torres countered Donald Trump's Thursday night outreach to Black and Hispanic voters during the former president's large rally in the Bronx, subsequently appearing on MSNBC Friday morning.

Additionally, the ambiguity of the X account has raised eyebrows for other reasons.

“I’m Ritchie Torres, raised in Bronx public housing, and I became the first openly gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress. This is my official campaign account,” the congressman tweeted on Thursday, May 23, in one of four messages posted by midday on Friday, May 24.

“Everything is on the ballot. From our democracy to women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Can you please retweet so others can join?” he wrote.

Ritchie Torres 'could be a strong candidate for statewide office'

Another Democratic source from New York told The Post that Torres might face a tougher path to higher office if incumbents like Governor Kathy Hochul and State Attorney General Letitia James choose to run for another term.

“Torres could be a strong candidate for statewide office if he can find issues to champion that resonate outside of the lower-income communities he represents,” the second source said. “But his youth and lack of name recognition will be significant challenges to overcome if he is trying to take out seasoned incumbents.”

Prominent New York Democrat Robert Zimmerman told The Post that "crises propel individuals into national leadership."

“Ritchie Torres emerged as a national leader for LGBTQ rights, rights of economic justice, and certainly for Israel,” Zimmerman, a member of the Democratic National Committee, stated.

Zimmerman added, "Ritchie would be a strong leading candidate for any opening that took place in New York or nationally.”

It is still uncertain whom Torres might challenge, as the election is more than two years away. His office did not respond directly to speculation about his political future when The Post reached out on Friday.

His communications director, Benny Stanislawski, responded with a simple directive, "Like and follow."

Internet criticized Richie Torres

After Torres' tweet gained traction, users began reacting to it. One individual wrote a praising message, stating, "You're gross."

Another user added, "I'm Ritchie Torres and I'm the most easily bought and sold congressperson there is. Give me an offer! I'll back ANY movement for the $!" [sic]

A commentator wrote, "You are a moral disgrace on every level. The blood of tens of thousands is on your hands, Congressman AIPAC."

"Sad that you f**ked over ALL of that for foreign money in YOUR pocket.... enjoy while it lasts," one person mentioned.

Another person said, "Your time is up, find another con to perform. The Bronx is sick of you!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.