INCREDIBLY DIVERSE: US Congress gets first gay black man

INCREDIBLY DIVERSE: US Congress gets first gay black man

Torres, 32, a New York City Council Member, won the election from New York's 15th Congressional District, defeating Republican Patrick Delices to become the next representative, New York Daily News reported

AgenciesUpdated: Wednesday, November 04, 2020, 11:17 PM IST
article-image
PIC: Associated Press

Democrat Party's Ritchie Torres has made history by becoming the first openly gay Black man elected to the US Congress.

Torres, 32, a New York City Council Member, won the election from New York's 15th Congressional District, defeating Republican Patrick Delices to become the next representative, New York Daily News reported.

"Tonight, a new era begins for the South Bronx," Torres said in a statement. "It is the honour of a lifetime to represent a borough filled with essential workers who have risked their lives so that New York City could live.

"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," he said.

Torres, who identified himself as an Afro-Latino, has served in the City Council since 2013.

He defeated nearly a dozen other Democrats in the June primary after Republican Jose Serrano announced his retirement earlier this year.

Torres is expected to be joined by another Black gay man, Mondaire Jones, in the US House of Representatives as results were pending in the race to replace retiring Republican Nita Lowey from Westchester county.

The seat is expected to go to 33-year-old Jones, a Harvard Law School graduate and former Westchester County attorney, who was leading Republican Maureen McArdle Schulman as of midnight, the report said.

RECENT STORIES

Singapore Summer 2024 Set To Sizzle, With 2023 Recording 4th Hottest Ever

Singapore Summer 2024 Set To Sizzle, With 2023 Recording 4th Hottest Ever

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Canada: Rude Customer Abuses Indian-Origin Pizza Delivery Man In Toronto; Video Sparks Outrage

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision