Representative Richie Torres from New York mentioned on Wednesday that running for governor in 2026 seems “impossible.”
During an MSNBC interview on “Morning Joe,” Torres stated that he aims to concentrate on his work in Washington. He expressed concern that policies championed by President Trump and the Republican majority in Congress could significantly harm his Bronx district.
“I’m not likely to run,” he said in response to inquiries about his plans for the upcoming election.
“The assaults on the social safety net in the Bronx are unprecedented, and we need to focus on Washington, D.C.,” Torres explained. “My heart is with the fight in D.C.”
“I feel that I must combat the catastrophe that is Trump’s presidency,” he added.
Torres addressed the adverse effects of a substantial GOP tax and spending bill on his district early in the discussion.
The Senate’s version of this bill, which passed on Tuesday, proposes about $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, marking the largest reduction in the program’s history. By 2034, approximately 12 million low-income Americans are expected to lose their health insurance, as projected by the Congressional Budget Office.
He pointed out that two-thirds of his constituents rely on Medicaid, representing the highest registration rate in the nation.
“When America sneezes, the Bronx catches the flu,” Torres remarked. “The Bronx will bear the brunt of these trillion-dollar cuts to Medicaid and children’s health care, destabilizing every hospital and health care provider in my district.”
According to a November report, Torres was initially looking to raise his public profile through a statewide tour while considering a challenge to Governor Hochul. He was notably critical of Hochul, suggesting she might not fully understand her vulnerabilities in 2026.
In his comparison to President Biden, he commented, “Instead of addressing issues early on, we waited until it was too late. Let’s try not to repeat that.”
