History is being made across the country. Earlier Def Pen reported the results of Cori Bush’s historic win Missouri. Now, New York is joining in on the historic celebration. Tonight, Ritchie Torres became the first openly gay Afro-Latino to serve in Congress. Torres will now represent New York’s 15th Congressional District.
The former New York City Councilmen will replace the retired Rep. José Serrano. He defeated a crowded field of opponents with more than 30% of the vote. Trailing in second, Michael Blake pulled in 18% of the vote
“In a crowded primary field, Ritchie Torres was the clear standout candidate as the youngest Latino elected to the NYC Council, the son of a single working mother from the Bronx and a champion for the essential workers of New York City,” Rep. Tony Cárdenas said.
His victory is a testament to the Hispanic Caucus’ commitment to expanding our Caucus with diverse voices by investing in candidates like Ritchie Torres, who is soon to be the first openly LGBTQ+ Afro- Latino Member of Congress.”
Torres will step into his new role in January.
