“I spent almost all my life in poverty, raised by a single mother who had to raise three children on minimum wage, which in the 1990s was $4.25 an hour. And I grew up in public housing, in conditions of mold and mildew, leaks and lead, without reliable heat and hot water in the winter.”

American politician, U.S. representative from 2021

Ritchie Torres is an American politician serving in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021. A Democrat, he represents New York’s 15th congressional district and previously served on the New York City Council from 2014 to 2020. He is known for his work in city and national politics, first in local government and then in Congress. His public profile is tied to representative politics and policy, with his name appearing in connection with the issues he addresses as a member of the Democratic Party.