Rep. Ritchie Torres is gearing up for a potential run for governor of New York, with plans to conduct a tour of the state to connect with communities outside of his Bronx district. The tour aims to raise his profile in upstate and suburban areas where he may not be as well known. Torres expressed his eagerness to learn about the needs of New York state through this listening tour.
In a recent interview, Torres didn’t hold back in his criticism of fellow Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul, likening her political standing to that of President Joe Biden before he dropped his presidential bid. Torres expressed concerns about Hochul’s vulnerabilities in the upcoming 2026 election, suggesting that she may not be the best candidate to secure a second term. He even went as far as to say that she could potentially lose to GOP Rep. Mike Lawler in the race.
Torres highlighted the shifting political landscape in New York, noting that Democrats are facing challenges with voters despite their historical dominance in the state. He pointed to Trump’s improved performance in New York during the previous election as a cause for concern, particularly in traditionally blue areas like his own district. Torres emphasized the need for a Democratic candidate who can appeal to a broad base of voters and secure a general election victory.
One of Torres’ main criticisms of Hochul centered around her governance style, citing her decision to pause the congestion pricing toll plan only to revive it after the election as an example of erratic leadership. Torres compared this to the chaotic governance expected from a Trump presidency, labeling it as embarrassing.
While Torres has not officially declared his candidacy for governor, he has been approached about the possibility of running for New York City mayor amid incumbent Eric Adams’ legal troubles. He is not alone in his concerns about the Democratic Party’s prospects in upcoming statewide races, with other prominent Democrats voicing similar worries.
Despite the criticism, Hochul has strengths she can draw on for her reelection bid, including her success in building out the state Democratic Committee’s political infrastructure to support swing district House candidates. She is expected to leverage this political muscle in the 2026 election, utilizing volunteer lists and voter data to secure key areas of New York like Long Island.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for Hochul highlighted her focus on delivering results for New Yorkers, from addressing crime issues to lowering costs for working families. As the political landscape in New York continues to evolve, the upcoming race for governor is sure to be a closely watched and hotly contested affair.
