Key Highlights
- Ritchie Torres faces a primary challenge in the 15th Congressional District.
- Dalourny Nemorin, a public defender and DSA organizer, announces her candidacy against Torres.
- Nemorin criticizes Torres for prioritizing donors over constituents.
- The upcoming Democratic primary will include Nemorin, former Assembly Member Michael Blake, Jose Vega, and Andre Easton.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Faces Primary Challenge in New York
New York City’s 15th Congressional District is set for a contentious primary battle as public defender Dalourny Nemorin announces her candidacy against incumbent Rep. Ritchie Torres, according to a statement released on November 12, 2025.
Dalourny Nemorin’s Candidacy
Nemorin, who has been serving as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society and currently chairs Bronx Community Board 1’s policy and legislation committee, began her interest in politics around 2023. She joins a growing list of potential Democratic primary challengers to Torres for the 2026 congressional elections.
Criticisms Against Rep. Ritchie Torres
Nemorin has accused Torres of being overly focused on his donors, stating, “I think the most harmful politician we have that represents me is Ritchie Torres.” This comes amidst criticism for Torres’s fundraising efforts and his acceptance of contributions from organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and supporters of President Donald Trump. Critics argue that these donations overshadow his responsibilities to constituents in one of the poorest congressional districts in the country.
Democratic Primary Landscape
The primary fight includes not only Nemorin but also former Assembly Member Michael Blake, who ran against Torres in 2020 and again this year as an independent candidate. Additionally, progressive organizer Jose Vega will be a contender for the nomination. Andre Easton, a public school teacher from the Party for Socialism and Liberation, has announced a longshot run as an independent.
Impact on Future Representation
Nemorin’s campaign is inspired by recent successes in local politics, such as New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. She believes that the growing demand for a new type of representation can benefit her bid. “I think the country is talking about a new type of representation, a new type of Democrat, a new type of leadership,” Nemorin said.
Reactions and Outlook
In response to the new challenge, Torres spokesperson Benny Stanislawski dismissed the primary fight, emphasizing Torres’s track record in serving his constituents. “Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres to be their voice fighting for them in Washington because he is a lifelong resident who has delivered real results for the community,” Stanislawski stated.
The upcoming 2026 Congressional Midterm Elections are shaping up to be highly competitive, with multiple candidates vying for representation in the district. As the primary campaign intensifies, it will be crucial to monitor how these political dynamics play out and their impact on future congressional representation in New York’s 15th District.
