Jose VegaCandidate

Jose Vega

U.S. HouseDemocrat

NY-15 U.S. House

Age 28·Puerto Rican·Political organizer and leader, LaRouche Movement international youth movement for peace through development

Why This Race Matters

Jose Vega is running against Rep. Ritchie Torres (D, incumbent, 3-term).

Jose Vega is mounting a primary challenge against Rep. Ritchie Torres, one of Congress's most vocal pro-Israel Democrats who has received $1.5M+ from the Israel lobby. In a D+27 district where the primary is the real contest, Vega is testing whether opposition to Torres's Israel stance and AIPAC backing can mobilize Bronx voters. Torres has $14.3M cash on hand vs Vega's $140K raised.

Crowded Democratic primary includes Michael Blake) (former Assemblyman, endorsed by Bill de Blasio), Dalourny Nemorin (DSA organizer), Amanda Septimo (Assemblywoman), and Jon LaTona. Vega is the only challenger running on both Democratic and Independent lines, giving him a general election path if he loses the primary. Torres won 2024 with 76.2% of the vote against Vega (2.4%) and Gonzalo Duran.

Key dates to watch: Primary on June 23, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Jose Vega is a 27-year-old political organizer and activist from the South Bronx challenging three-term incumbent Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York's 15th Congressional District. Born in 1998 in New York City, Vega grew up witnessing poverty, crime, and housing inequality firsthand—an experience that radicalized him when the ceiling in his apartment collapsed while he was 20. A member of the LaRouche Youth Movement since age 16, he has organized concerts, youth choruses, and science education programs. He gained national attention for viral confrontations with political figures including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mike Pompeo, and Kamala Harris. In 2024, he ran as an independent against Torres, receiving 2.4% of the vote. Now running on both the Democratic and Independent lines, Vega is building what he calls "a movement for Medicare for All, reindustrialization, and peace through development."

Family & Heritage

Puerto Rican heritage. Born and raised in the South Bronx, one of the poorest congressional districts in America. Grew up witnessing poverty and housing inequality—his apartment ceiling collapsed when he was 20, spurring him to activism.

Political Career

Before Politics

Barista; Political organizer with LaRouche Movement (since age 16); Youth program organizer teaching ideas of Kepler, Einstein, and Riemann; Self-described journalist

Education

Bronx Community College

Awards & Recognition

Viral confrontations with political leaders have been viewed by hundreds of millions worldwide

Key Issues & Priorities

*Medicare for All (universal single-payer healthcare)
*Reindustrialization of the Bronx through Space Civilian Conservation Corps
*Peace through Development (ending post-9/11 military interventions)
*Immigration reform protecting long-term residents from deportation
*Classical education reform
*The Oasis Plan for Middle East peace via economic development

Endorsements

Grassroots supporters (no corporate PAC money)Advocacy

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