Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., has emerged as one of the most vocal critics within his own party, creating waves of speculation about his potential candidacy for New York governor in 2026. Known for his progressive stance, Torres has recently distanced himself from some of the more left-leaning policies of his party, positioning himself as a voice of change within the Democratic establishment.
Torres’ critiques have been sharp and public, particularly targeting New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. He has taken issue with the state’s handling of criminal justice reforms, accusing the progressive wing of the party of failing to effectively govern. One of his most pointed criticisms of Governor Hochul was her history of what he described as “coded stereotyping,” pointing to a past comment made by Hochul about young Black Bronxites not knowing what a computer was.
Torres lambasted her, stating, “She knows as much about me and communities of color as she knows about governing effectively. Absolutely nothing.”
The remarks came after Torres’ growing criticism of Hochul’s leadership, which has been under scrutiny in the state for various issues, including her handling of the economy and crime. Torres’ accusations raised questions about his motivations, as he is reportedly weighing a run for governor, with a final decision expected by mid-2025. His attacks on Hochul have ignited speculation about a possible bruising Democratic primary in the upcoming election.
Further fueling this speculation is Torres’ criticism of New York’s business climate. During a meeting with the Citizens Budget Commission, he criticized the state’s regulations, which he believes are stifling economic growth. “There are regulations in place that make it impossible to do business… and have made it impossible to build,” Torres remarked, adding to the growing discontent with the state’s leadership among some Democrats.
His criticisms aren’t limited to state issues. Torres has also criticized Mayor Eric Adams over the actions of a staffer accused of tearing down posters related to Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Torres called the act “completely unacceptable” and emphasized that any form of antisemitism should not be tolerated in government circles. This controversy added another layer to Torres’ attacks on Democratic leaders, further fueling the narrative of his dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.
Torres’ dissatisfaction with the left wing of his party is not a new development. Earlier this year, he left the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) over disagreements related to Israel, a move that caught attention and signaled his shift away from some of the party’s more progressive stances. His criticisms of the progressive left have placed him in direct opposition to many of his colleagues, adding another dimension to the talk of a primary challenge.
Republicans have taken note of Torres’ critiques, with Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., commenting that Torres’ criticisms echo those of the GOP, especially regarding what he perceives as dysfunction in Albany. Langworthy suggested that it was not surprising to see Torres challenge Hochul, as many of the issues Torres raised align with those that Republicans have criticized the Democratic leadership for.
Despite the criticism, Torres is positioning himself as a potential candidate who can bring change to New York’s leadership. His outspoken nature and his decision to challenge both the progressive and moderate wings of his own party have made him a figure of intrigue in New York politics. As the Democratic Party looks toward the 2026 gubernatorial race, the question of whether Torres will throw his hat into the ring remains unanswered but increasingly probable.
Governor Hochul, for her part, has brushed off Torres’ attacks. At a recent press conference, she responded with indifference, stating she was “a little busy” doing her job. She added that those in government who focus on matters outside their roles are not helping to move the state forward.
Despite the back-and-forth, Torres has managed to elevate his national profile with his criticisms, and his growing influence among certain factions of the Democratic Party has sparked discussions about what a primary battle in 2026 might look like. Whether he ultimately decides to run or not, it’s clear that Rep. Ritchie Torres is a force to be reckoned with in New York politics, and his actions will continue to shape the state’s political landscape in the years to come.
