Representative Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has won his primary election in New York's 15th Congressional District, defeating former state assemblyman Michael Blake. Torres, who has diverged from the progressive wing of his party, is now positioned for reelection in November.
The outcome of this primary signals the continued electoral strength of incumbent Democrats who diverge from progressive party platforms, particularly on foreign policy issues, and highlights the challenges faced by progressive insurgent campaigns in established districts.
Representative Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) is projected to win his primary election in New York's 15th Congressional District, defeating former state assemblyman Michael Blake. Torres, who has increasingly diverged from the progressive wing of his party, particularly on pro-Israel issues, overcame the challenge and is now largely expected to secure reelection this November.
Blake was among several left-leaning candidates challenging incumbents in New York but did not gain significant traction. Notably, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani did not endorse Torres in this race, a departure from his involvement in other districts. However, Mamdani did not carry Torres's district in the previous Democratic mayoral primary, suggesting his endorsement might not have swayed voters.
Torres formally left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in February 2024. He significantly outraised Blake, with Torres collecting nearly $6.7 million in campaign funds compared to Blake's approximately $412,000. Torres and Blake had previously competed in the 2020 primary, which resulted in Torres's initial election to Congress.