ET
Serving

Emerita Torres

State HouseDemocrat

NY-AD-85 State House

Puerto Rican·Council on Foreign Relations Term Member

About

New York State Assemblymember representing the 85th district in the South and Southeastern Bronx since January 2025, covering Hunts Point, Longwood, Soundview, Clason Point, and Harding Park.

Family & Heritage

Born and raised in the Bronx to a Puerto Rican family. Her parents relied on public assistance programs and rent-stabilized housing. She was the first in her family to graduate from college. Her journey from humble beginnings fuels her resolve to break systemic barriers.

Political Career

Before Politics

U.S. diplomat with the State Department for a decade, serving in Brazil, Pakistan, Colombia, Washington D.C., and the U.N. Mission. Vice President of Policy, Research, and Advocacy at the Community Service Society of New York. Director of Policy Research and Programs at The Soufan Center.

Education

BA in History, New York University; MPP (Master in Public Policy), Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Key Issues & Priorities

*Economic opportunity and anti-poverty policy
*Transit access and half-price MetroCard expansion
*Tenants' rights and homeownership
*Rental assistance reform
*Housing and community development