Torres has been making inroads in recent months, especially with business interests. The former city councilmember has also been a strong supporter of Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.

Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres has not ruled out challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 gubernatorial race, as New York State and City face what he called a “crisis of governance.”

N.Y., on Wednesday refused to rule out mounting a 2026 Democratic primary challenge to Gov. Kathy Hochul. Although he dodged a direct question about taking on Hochul, the Bronx lawmaker pointedly decried a “crisis of governance” on both the state and city levels.