In a notable political development in the South Bronx, public defender and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) organizer Dalourny Nemorin is poised to announce her candidacy for the 15th Congressional District. This announcement is set to take place this evening, highlighting her determination to challenge incumbent Congressman Ritchie Torres.
Dalourny Nemorin: A New Contender
Nemorin currently serves as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society and is an active member of the Bronx Community Board 1. She has chaired the policy and legislation committee since joining in 2023, a role that reflects her commitment to community issues. Although her decision to run was not specifically targeted at Torres, she has voiced strong criticisms of his representation, suggesting he prioritizes donor interests over those of his constituents.
Torres’s Background and Challenges
Ritchie Torres, who has been the representative for the 15th District since winning a competitive Democratic primary in 2020, faces a stronger challenge in the upcoming primary election. Historically, Torres has enjoyed significant fundraising success and carries a prominent national profile, which has drawn both support and criticism. His acceptance of donations from various groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has sparked controversy.
The Primary Competition
- Dalourny Nemorin – Public defender and DSA organizer
- Michael Blake – Former Assembly Member who previously lost to Torres
- Jose Vega – Progressive organizer and independent candidate
- Andre Easton – Public school teacher and independent candidate
In 2020, Torres succeeded retired Rep. Jose Serrano, representing a district that is among the poorest in the nation. Although he did not face a primary opponent in 2024, the landscape has shifted for the next election, where he must contend with several challengers, including Nemorin.
A New Wave of Representation
Nemorin draws inspiration from the success of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who significantly outperformed expectations in the Bronx. This success, she believes, indicates a demand for a new type of representation within the Democratic Party. Nemorin, who is actively involved in the NYC-DSA, expresses her intention to engage with the organization for their endorsement, but is prepared to mobilize without it if necessary.
Torres’s Response
A spokesperson for Torres, Benny Stanislawski, has addressed the new challenge, asserting that Bronx voters trust Torres to advocate for their needs. He emphasized Torres’s focus on critical local issues such as public housing and affordability, positioning him as a steadfast advocate for the community.
As the primary election approaches, the competition between Torres and Nemorin will be closely watched, raising questions about the future direction of representation in the Bronx and within the broader Democratic Party.
