On Tuesday, Democrat Party’s Ritchie Torres has made history by becoming the first openly gay Black man elected to Congress.
The 32-year-old New York City Council member defeated Republican Patrick Delices to become the next representative from the 15th Congressional District, which covers the South Bronx.
In his statement Torres said: “Tonight, a new era begins for the South Bronx. It is the honor of a lifetime to represent a borough filled with essential workers who have risked their lives so that New York City could live.”
He said: “The Bronx is essential, and the vibrant, loving and talented people who live here have shown time and again their power, fortune and perseverance. The Bronx is the heartbeat of New York City.”
Torres, who identifies as Afro-Latino and has served in the City Council since 2013.

