U.S. Representative for New York's 15th congressional district since 2021, the poorest congressional district in the nation. First openly gay Afro-Latino elected to Congress. Grew up in Throggs Neck Houses public housing in the Bronx. Previously served on the NYC City Council.
RT
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents. His mother, a native New Yorker born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, single-handedly raised Ritchie, his twin brother, and their sister in Throggs Neck Houses, a public housing project in the East Bronx, on minimum-wage jobs paying $4.25 an hour. Torres was frequently hospitalized for asthma caused by mold in their apartment. His father is Puerto Rican.
Political Career
Before Politics
Attended New York University but dropped out due to severe depression. After recovery, worked for City Council member James Vacca as housing director, conducting site inspections and documenting conditions to ensure housing issues were addressed. Elected to the New York City Council in 2013 at age 25, becoming the first openly gay public official in the Bronx. Chaired the council's Committee on Public Housing, overseeing NYCHA.
Education
Attended New York University (did not complete degree); Herbert Lehman High School
Key Issues & Priorities
Affordable housing and public housing reform
Fighting poverty and economic inequality
Healthcare access and affordability
Pushing back against Trump administration policies and ICE abuses
Support for Israel and U.S.-Israel relations