Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) has publicly criticized the Democratic Party's progressive policies and the Biden administration's handling of the border crisis, asserting that these factors alienated a crucial segment of their voter base. During an appearance on MSNBC's "Morning Joe," Torres emphasized the party's need to prioritize practical concerns like reducing costs, lowering crime rates, and ensuring effective governance. He stressed the importance of recognizing the centrist views of working-class voters of color on issues such as public safety and border security.

Torres, known for his willingness to challenge his own party, urged Democrats to focus on delivering tangible results and disregard what he termed "fashionable nonsense" in contemporary politics. He specifically pointed to immigration as a major misstep in the 2024 election, stating his belief that President Biden's delayed and insufficient actions on border security had significant negative consequences for the party.

Furthermore, Torres identified inflation as another contributing factor to the Democratic Party's losses, highlighting what he perceived as critical errors by the Biden administration on immigration policy that ultimately cost them the election.