New York Congressman Ritchie Torres Leaves Congressional Progressive Caucus

Disagreement over Israel-Hamas War

Torres Chooses to Part Ways with Congressional Progressive Caucus

New York, NY — Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat based in New York, has decided to sever ties with the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). The split comes after Torres expressed disagreements with certain caucus members regarding their stance on the Israel-Hamas war, sources close to the matter have confirmed. Notably, his name no longer appears on the caucus’s website, leading to further confirmation of his departure.

A Staunch Supporter of Israel

It is no secret that Congressman Torres is a vocal supporter of Israel. Over concerns surrounding a potential cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Torres has chosen to abstain from expressing support for the initiative, a move that aligns him with other pro-Israel members. Notably, his departure from the CPC follows the exit of Representative Lois Frankel from the caucus last November. Frankel’s office has confirmed her departure, marking a period of shakeups within the CPC.

Democratic Party Rift

The Israel-Hamas conflict has revealed divisions within the Democratic Party, with its fourth month now underway. While President Biden and other pro-Israel members of the party continue their support, some progressive members on Capitol Hill have expressed disappointment with the administration’s stance. Representative Rashida Tlaib, a vocal critic of Biden and his approach to the conflict, faced censure in the lower chamber. She has even urged Michigan residents to vote “uncommitted” in the upcoming Democratic primary, distancing herself from the party’s support for Biden.

Challenges for the Squad

Several members of the Squad, who are also part of the CPC, find themselves confronting primary challenges due to their vocal criticisms of Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict. The October 7 terrorist attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas has further generated tension and scrutiny around their positions. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, the current chair of the caucus, faced criticisms after labeling Israel a “racist state” in July, for which she later apologized.

Requests for comments from Representative Torres’s office and CPC’s spokesperson have gone unanswered.

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