Dalourny Nemorin to Challenge Ritchie Torres in Bronx Primary

BRONX, New York — Rep. Ritchie Torres faces a primary challenge as public defender and community organizer Dalourny Nemorin plans to announce her candidacy for New York’s 15th Congressional District this evening.

Nemorin, who serves as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society, said her political ambitions began in 2023 after a decade of practicing law. She became active in local government as a member of Bronx Community Board 1, where she is currently the chair of the policy and legislation committee.

Though Nemorin did not originally intend to run against Torres, she has criticized him as the “number one preoccupied politician,” saying he prioritizes donors over the needs of his constituents. “I think the most harmful politician we have that represents me is Ritchie Torres,” she told City & State.

Torres has held the seat since winning a contentious Democratic primary in 2020, succeeding retiring Rep. Jose Serrano. He did not face a primary opponent in 2024, but the landscape has changed ahead of the 2026 elections, with Nemorin, who previously lost to Torres, and progressive organizer Jose Vega both running. Another independent candidate, Andre Easton, a public school teacher, has also entered the race.

Before announcing his reelection bid, Torres considered challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026, but ultimately decided to defend his current seat.

While Torres is known for his fundraising abilities, including support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and some Trump supporters, Nemorin believes that recent electoral trends indicate a shift in voter sentiment in the Bronx. She pointed to the success of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who won the Bronx by a notable margin against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Nemorin, who is actively involved in the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, is considering seeking the organization’s endorsement for her candidacy. “However, my campaign will have many DSA members involved, whether DSA endorses the organization on the campaign or not,” she stated.

In response to Nemorin’s challenge, Torres’ spokesperson Benny Stanislawski expressed confidence in Torres’ support among Bronx voters. “Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres to be their voice fighting for them in Washington because he is a lifelong resident who has delivered real results for the community,” he said.