Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., is considering a run for New York governor in 2026 and has been publicly critical of his party’s leadership, particularly Governor Kathy Hochul.
He has opposed progressive criminal justice policies and criticized Hochul’s management of the state.
Torres accused her of stereotyping and claimed she lacks understanding of communities of color.
He also blamed the progressive left for Vice President Kamala Harris’ loss in the 2020 election and criticized both Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams over various issues, including their handling of antisemitism and crime.
Torres, who left the Congressional Progressive Caucus over disagreements about Israel, is considering a gubernatorial bid and plans to decide by mid-2025.
While some Republicans view his criticisms of Hochul as aligning with their own, Torres’s spokesperson confirmed he is still weighing his options.
Hochul responded to his comments by stating that her focus remains on her job, not a race two years away.
