Ritchie Torres Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography):
Ritchie Torres (born March 12, 1988) is a trailblazing American politician from the South Bronx, serving as U.S. Representative for New York’s 15th district since 2021. Raised in Throggs Neck public housing by a single mother, he faced adversity first-hand—from mold and asthma to violence and poverty. Known as “Ritch,” he became the youngest New York City Council member and the first openly LGBTQ+ official in the Bronx in 2013. In Congress, he’s made history again as the first openly gay Afro Latino in the House. Ritchie channels his lived experience into championing public housing reform, mental health advocacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and affordable education. He’s a fierce watchdog—investigating the Taxi Medallion crisis and secured substantial funding for Bronx students. Open about his struggles with depression, “Ritch” has turned vulnerability into political strength. His journey is more than representation it's about lifting his community through resilience, honesty, and relentless action.
Early Life & Background of Ritchie Torres
• Ritch was raised in Throggs Neck Houses with mold, vermin, leaks, and asthma that led to repeated hospital stays during his childhood. 
• He grew up with his twin brother and sister, raised single handedly by their mother on low wage jobs, fighting to pay rent and keep them safe. 
• “Ritch” once panhandled on the subway to help pay rent, a testament to his family's struggle and his early drive to contribute. 
Political Rise & Local Impact of Ritchie Torres
• At 25, he became the youngest City Council member and the first openly LGBTQ official in the Bronx—proving that “Ritch” was rewriting history early on. 
• He chaired the Public Housing Committee, held Gotham’s first hearing inside NYCHA housing, and helped secure $3B in FEMA funds—the biggest such investment in NYC history. 
• As Oversight chair, he exposed the taxi medallion scandal, highlighting how predatory loans and inflated prices devastated drivers citywide. 
National Leadership & Legislative Achievements
• As a Congressman, “Ritchie” broke new ground as the first openly gay Afro Latino in Congress and one of two first openly gay Black men elected to the House. 
• He secured $1 million for Hostos Community College to fund transfer pathways in STEM and public health—for Bronx students, by a Bronx representative. 
• He co-chairs the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and pushes for HIV prevention, PrEP access, and greater LGBTQ representation across policymaking. 
Awards & Recognitions received by Ritchie Torres
• “Ritch” is celebrated as a trailblazer by LGBTQ and Latino communities, honored at Fire Island as an LGBTQ advocate who expanded representation. 
• He’s recognized widely for bringing lived experience into public service turning his upbringing and struggles into strengths and public purpose.
• Mental health advocates especially praise his openness symbolizing progress in breaking political stigma around depression. 
Controversy around Ritchie Torres
• When NYPD union leader Ed Mullins targeted “Ritchie” with a homophobic slur online, Torres filed a complaint with the oversight board leaning into formal channels rather than silencing. 
• In 2024, he rejected a perfunctory apology from Mohamed Hadid over racist and homophobic DMs, calling it fraudulent and holding him accountable publicly. 
• In late 2024, Torres softened his stance endorsing Governor Kathy Hochul for reelection just months after criticizing her harshly, signaling pragmatic political reconciliation. 
Lesser Known Facts about Ritchie Torres
• “Ritch” doesn’t hold a college degree he dropped out of NYU amid severe depression, then rebuilt his career from behind the scenes housing work. 
• His mentor network shaped him deeply: from his mother to educators like Robert Leder and Michael DeStefano, and political operatives like Jeff Lynch. 
• He sees blockchain as a tool for financial equity believing in its potential to reduce rent-seeking and empower low income households.