Ritchie Torres is a Democratic Representative for New York's 15th congressional district. Born on March 12, 1988, in the Bronx, New York, he graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School in 2006. Torres briefly attended New York University before embarking on a career in public service, during which he worked as a community organizer and served as a staff member for New York City Council member Jimmy Vacca. He was elected to the New York City Council in 2014 and served until 2020. During the 2016 Democratic National Convention, he was a delegate representing New York. Torres was first elected to Congress on January 3, 2021, and has been re-elected in subsequent cycles.

Throughout his congressional career, Torres has dedicated himself to various critical issues, particularly related to social justice, housing, public health, and gun violence prevention. He currently serves on key committees, including the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, which positions him at the forefront of shaping legislation affecting these areas.

Torres has sponsored and co-sponsored several significant bills aimed at addressing pressing societal issues. Notable legislation includes:

• Investing in Safer Traffic Stops Act of 2025 (HB546): This bill aims to establish a federal grant program to enhance traffic enforcement through the use of civilian personnel or advanced monitoring technologies. It seeks to minimize police involvement in routine traffic stops, promoting alternative safety measures.

• FIRM Act (Financial Integrity and Regulation Management Act) (HB2702): Aimed at increasing financial accountability within the financial sector, this act underscores Torres's commitment to consumer protection and regulatory oversight.

• Healthy Affordable Housing Act (HB2747): This legislation focuses on ensuring equitable housing conditions for vulnerable communities, reflecting Torres's engagement with housing issues.

• CARE Act (Coordinated Agency Response Enhancement Act) (HB1961): This bill mandates improved collaboration among agencies to address health care needs, particularly in relation to trauma response.

Torres's legislative priorities indicate his progressive stance, focusing heavily on issues of social equity, public health, and measures to enhance community safety. His bills generally propose government involvement to rectify disparities faced by marginalized populations, emphasizing health, safety, and economic security.

In terms of political leanings, his support for comprehensive health care bills and social justice initiatives demonstrates alignment with progressive Democratic ideals focused on equity and accessibility. Torres advocates for policies that promote the welfare of low-income individuals and communities of color, aiding in increasing access to essential services.

Outside Congress, Ritchie Torres has made headlines not just for his public service but also for being openly gay, and among the first Afro-Latino members of Congress. He actively participates in LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts, which further defines his commitment to inclusivity and representation in government.

With a focus on building a more equitable and just United States, Torres's efforts showcase a dedication to advancing the rights and needs of those who have traditionally been underserved within society. His career reflects a proactive approach to public policy, aiming to forge pathways that enhance diversity and equality in the regions he represents.