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Former New York State Assembly member Michael Blake has launched a campaign to challenge Democratic Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York’s 15th Congressional District, setting up a primary battle that highlights growing tensions over Israel policy within the Democratic Party.
“I am running for Congress because the people of The Bronx deserve better than Ritchie Torres,” Blake, who previously served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, announced on social media this week.
Blake’s announcement included sharp criticism of Torres’ strong pro-Israel stance, stating: “I am ready to fight for you and lower your cost of living while Ritchie fights for a Genocide. I will focus on Affordable Housing and Books as Ritchie will only focus on AIPAC and Bibi. I will invest in the community. Ritchie invests in Bombs.”
The challenger further emphasized his priorities by promising to “end credit scores for housing,” while claiming Torres “only wants to take credit.”
Torres, who has represented the district since January 2021, responded through a spokesperson who expressed confidence in the congressman’s reelection prospects. “Michael Blake is not interested in the Bronx; he’s only interested in using it to run for office for the fifth time, and the result will be the same as before: another loss,” said Torres’ communications director Benny Stanislawski.
The statement highlighted Torres’ work on behalf of constituents: “There’s a reason Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres. He’s been their champion in Congress, laser-focused on issues like public housing and affordability while standing up to Donald Trump. That’s why he’s going to win again next year.”
This isn’t the first time the two Democrats have faced off. In the 2020 Democratic House primary for the same district, Blake finished second to Torres, who went on to win the general election and secure his seat in Congress.
The rematch comes amid increasing divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has created fault lines between progressive and moderate Democrats. Torres, who has described himself as a “pragmatic progressive,” has been one of Israel’s most vocal supporters within the Democratic caucus, often breaking with the party’s left wing on matters relating to the Middle East conflict.
Blake’s campaign website describes him as a “consistent progressive,” suggesting he aims to position himself to the left of Torres on both domestic and foreign policy issues. The challenge represents part of a broader trend of progressive candidates targeting moderate Democrats, particularly those who have been supportive of Israel.
The 15th Congressional District, which encompasses parts of the South Bronx, is one of the most heavily Democratic districts in the country, making the primary contest effectively decisive for determining representation in the area.
Blake recently ran unsuccessfully in the Democratic New York City mayoral primary earlier this year, making this congressional bid his fifth campaign for public office. His entry into the race signals that Israel policy may become a central issue in Democratic primaries across New York and potentially nationwide in 2025.
Political analysts note that primary challenges like this one reflect growing polarization within the Democratic Party, as progressives and moderates continue to battle over the direction of the party on issues ranging from foreign policy to economic priorities.
The primary election is expected to draw significant attention from national political observers and could serve as a referendum on how Democratic voters in one of the nation’s most diverse and progressive districts view the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and America’s role in them.
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9 Comments
It’s refreshing to see a primary challenge that seems to be focused on substantive policy differences rather than just personality or party politics. Voters in the 15th District will have a clear choice to make.
The clash over Israel policy is a divisive issue, but I hope the candidates can also focus on addressing the real concerns of Bronx residents, like affordable housing and economic challenges. Voters deserve a thoughtful debate on the full range of issues.
I agree, the Israel issue shouldn’t overshadow the candidates’ plans and vision for improving the lives of constituents. Voters will need to carefully evaluate all aspects of each candidate’s platform.
As someone who follows mining and commodities news, I’m curious to see if the candidates address issues like access to critical minerals and the role of the energy transition in the Bronx. Those could be important local concerns.
Good point. The energy transition and access to key minerals like lithium and copper will be critical issues for many districts. I hope the candidates outline their plans in these areas.
This race highlights the growing ideological divides within the Democratic Party. It will be interesting to see how the candidates’ positions on Israel, housing, and the cost of living resonate with voters in the Bronx.
Agreed, this primary could be a bellwether for the direction of the Democratic Party on key issues. The outcome will be closely watched nationwide.
This primary challenge highlights the growing tensions over Israel policy within the Democratic Party. It will be interesting to see how voters in the 15th District respond to the candidates’ contrasting positions on this issue.
It’s important for voters to weigh all the candidates’ positions and priorities, not just on foreign policy but on local issues like housing and cost of living as well.