
Hi Sandeep, it’s Rep. Ritchie Torres.
As Co‑Chair of the Equality Caucus, I wanted to share a little bit more about myself, and that includes being vulnerable with you.
So I’ll be candid – when I was growing up here in the Bronx, I often didn’t feel like I belonged.
At school, I struggled with my identity. I didn’t know anyone like me or have any gay representation in the community where I grew up. I felt alone and insecure.
So I spent my youth in the closet, scared of the repercussions for embracing who I was and the target of bullies who knew I was different from the other boys and girls at our school.
When I got to college, I still struggled. I felt isolated, never proud of who I was. I dropped out of my school, unsure of what my future had in store.
But I found my purpose outside of higher education. I took my experience growing up in public housing with my single mom and three siblings, and began working with local officials to ensure that no other kids had to grow up like we did – in crumbling, unsafe apartment buildings.
Working with the city council on housing issues inspired me to run – so at just 25 years old, I became the youngest elected official in New York City, and the first openly LGBTQ+ elected official from the Bronx.
That’s all to say: the fight for equality, affordability, and the American Dream is personal for me.
I never imagined I’d be in this position, and I don’t take it lightly. I’m on a mission to ensure that no American faces the uncertainty or the struggles I faced because of who they are or the circumstances they were born into.
I’m running for re‑election because the job is far from over. Donald Trump is hell‑bent on ramming his bigoted agenda through Congress, raising costs to an unlivable degree, and stopping people like me from living the American Dream.
So I’m asking: will you split a donation between Equality PAC and my campaign today so I can keep fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and equality for all? >>
If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your contribution will be split between Ritchie Torres and Equality PAC immediately:
Your support means everything, Sandeep. Thank you for helping me keep the fight alive.
– Rep. Ritchie Torres