Torres is my pick for Congress, sez Dinkins
Former Mayor David Dinkins endorsed City Councilman Ritchie Torres for Congress on Sunday.
Dinkins called out Torres’ main Democratic primary opponent, infamously anti-LGBT Councilman Ruben
Diaz Sr., in the endorsement shared exclusively with the Daily News.
“It would be a devastating blow for the congressional seat, long held by my good friend Jose Serrano, to fall to an individual with a record of homophobia and bigotry and supportive ties to Republicans — including the current occupant of the White House,” Dinkins said in a statement, alluding to Diaz. “Today, I add my name to the growing ranks of Democrats who support Ritchie Torres for Congress.
“As a City Council member, Ritchie has been a vocal champion on issues from affordable housing to criminal justice reform. Ritchie has the experience, the energy and the passion to serve the Bronx with strength in Washington, D.C.”
Torres hopes the nod from Dinkins, New York City’s first and so far only black mayor, will resonate in the 15th Congressional District, which is predominantly black and Latino.
“Mayor Dinkins is a statesman with singular stature in the Democratic Party, and when a statesman like David Dinkins weighs in, it sends an unmistakable message about who is the best hope for defeating Ruben Diaz Sr. and representing black and brown communities in the South Bronx,” Torres told The News.
While the Democratic primary for the seat is packed with serious contenders, including former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and Assemblyman Michael Blake, Diaz and Torres are widely viewed as the frontrunners, with Diaz slightly ahead of Torres in a recent poll.
“I urge you to cast your vote for Ritchie Torres for Congress on June 23,” Dinkins’ statement concluded. “He is not only the best choice on the ballot; he is the best chance to keep this seat in progressive, Democratic hands.”
Diaz, a conservative who has long held office as a Democrat but often sides with Republicans, supported Rudy Giuliani against Dinkins in the 1989 mayoral election, which Dinkins won. Diaz did not immediately respond to a request for comment.