Torres challenger attacks Israel, AIPAC in campaign launch, but previously sought pro-Israel allies extensively

Ritchie Torres Faces New Socialist Opponent in Democratic Primary Race Amid DSA Victory Lap Over Mamdani Win

US Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) speaks during the House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington, DC, Sept. 30, 2021. Photo: Al Drago/Pool via REUTERS Public defender and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) organizer Dalourny Nemorin has launched a primary challenge against US Rep. Ritchie Torres in New York’s 15th Congressional District, setting up a competitive intra-party contest in one of the nation’s poorest districts. Nemorin an…

Torres challenger attacks Israel, AIPAC in campaign launch, but previously sought pro-Israel allies extensively

Michael Blake, a former New York state assemblyman and eighth-place-finishing New York City mayoral candidate, announced a primary challenge to Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) on Wednesday focused squarely on Torres’ support for Israel and ties to AIPAC. But Blake himself has an extensive history with AIPAC and was, at least through 2020, a vocal supporter of the Jewish state. In his campaign announcement on X, Blake said, “I am ready to fight for yo…

From Ally to Adversary: Michael Blake’s Stunning Turn Against AIPAC and Israel Draws Fire as He Challenges Ritchie Torres

By: Justin Winograd In one of the most striking political reversals in recent New York memory, Michael Blake — a former state assemblyman, Democratic National Committee vice chair, and one-time AIPAC speaker — has announced a primary challenge to Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), centering his campaign squarely on Torres’ strong pro-Israel record and deep ties to the pro-Israel advocacy group. But as the Jewish Insider reported on Friday, Blake’s newl…