Reps. Ritchie Torres and Hakeem Jeffries held a hearth chat in honor of Black Historical past Month on Feb. 15, 2026.
Photograph courtesy the Workplace of Home Democratic Chief Hakeem Jeffries
U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Rep. Ritchie Torres on Monday in his bid for re-election to symbolize New York’s fifteenth Congressional District, which covers a big portion of the Bronx.
Jeffries, who leads Home Democrats as minority chief, praised incumbent Torres’ file representing the borough. Torres has represented the district in Congress since 2021 and beforehand served on the New York Metropolis Council, representing the fifteenth District from 2014 to 2020.
“Ritchie Torres is an extraordinary fighter for the Bronx and for everyday New Yorkers,” Jeffries stated in an announcement to the Bronx Instances.
“He shows up, delivers and never backs down from a tough fight. The Bronx deserves a representative with Ritchie’s tenacity, track record and commitment to getting real results for working families.”
As the highest Democrat within the Home and probably the most influential members of New York’s congressional delegation, Jeffries’ endorsement carries vital weight in a crowded major. Torres faces a number of challengers from the left, together with former Meeting member Michael Blake, public defender Dalourny Nemorin, political organizer Jose Vega and Jon LaTona.
He additionally faces competitors from Conservative Celebration candidate Gonzalo Duran and Celebration for Socialism and Liberation member Andre Easton, who’s working on the impartial line.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of Leader Jeffries,” Rep. Torres stated.
“As Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans drive up the cost of living for working families and slash federal funding for the programs that keep communities like the Bronx afloat, Leader Jeffries has been on the front lines standing up for our borough and our nation.”
Jeffries’ backing provides to a protracted listing of elected officers supporting Torres. State lawmakers embody Meeting Speaker Carl Heastie, state Sen. Jamaal Bailey and Meeting members George Alvarez, Landon Dais, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Chantal Jackson and John Zaccaro Jr.
Metropolis officers supporting Torres embody Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and Metropolis Council members Eric Dinowitz, Oswald Feliz, Kevin Riley, Pierina Sanchez, Justin Sanchez and Althea Stevens.
Torres has additionally secured endorsements from Rep. Adriano Espaillat, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus BOLD PAC, Equality PAC and the Northwest Bronx-based Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Membership.
Torres linked the endorsement to Democrats’ effort to retake the Home in November.
“This November, Democrats will win back the House, and when we do, Hakeem Jeffries will make history as the first African American Speaker of the House. I am committed to doing my part to make that happen.”
