Overview
- Blake, a former state assembly member and 2020 runner-up for the seat, announced his bid with a video attacking Torres’ support for Israel and ties to AIPAC.
- The launch video accuses Torres of prioritizing Netanyahu and claims he has nearly $15 million on hand, with imagery portraying him as influenced by pro-Israel donors.
- Reporting highlights Blake’s earlier pro-Israel engagement, including multiple AIPAC events and a 2017 conference speech, which he now contrasts by arguing AIPAC has changed.
- Torres’ campaign dismissed Blake as a serial candidate, pointing to Torres’ work on housing, hospital funding and a study to cap the Cross Bronx Expressway.
- Blake pairs his foreign‑policy criticism with local proposals on affordability and housing, and he told one outlet he would not commit to backing Hakeem Jeffries for speaker.