Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-Bronx) is getting a primary challenge from a rival homing in on his fierce support for Israel, and the donations he\u2019s collected as a result.<\/p>\n
Former Democratic National Committee Vice Chair Michael Blake, a one-time state lawmaker who unsuccessfully ran for New York City mayor this year, is launching a bid to topple Torres as left-flank Democrats across the country start taking on incumbents.<\/p>\n
\u201cI’m running for Congress because the Bronx deserves better than Richie Torres,\u201d Blake told NBC New York Wednesday, in an exclusive interview shared with POLITICO in advance of his launch. \u201cWe need to focus on cost of living. We have to focus on how people need us to help them with groceries as opposed to Richie’s helping to support a genocide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blake, speaking at a Bronx food pantry, emphasized Torres\u2019 outspoken advocacy for Israel, an issue that has sharply divided Democrats, as he made his opening pitch to take on the incumbent during next year\u2019s midterm elections. Democrats will fight to seize control over the House next year, as progressives like Blake challenge establishment incumbents throughout the nation.<\/p>\n
He is announcing his candidacy with a video accusing Torres of prioritizing the Israeli prime minister over Bronx residents, but would not share any other details of his staffing or fundraising plans.<\/p>\n