Bronx Assembly Member Amanda Septimo is launching a run for Congress in New York's 15th Congressional District, a seat that's held by Democrat Ritchie Torres.

Septimo says she'll focus on reducing the cost of living, job creation, expanding access to affordable housing, improving community safety and defending essential federal programs.

"Our community is under attack from the federal government, and we need a representative who is going to step up and fight back," Septimo said in an exclusive interview with News 12, "We shouldn't just be protecting Section 8, we should be expanding it, we know its an incredible program that creates incredible stability for Bronx families, we shouldn't just be fighting ice, we should also be fighting for a pathway to citizenship."

Septimo, a lifelong Bronx resident, currently represents the 84th Assembly District that encompasses areas of the South Bronx. She was elected to the position in 2020 and took office in January 2021.

NY-15 is one of the poorest congressional districts in the country, according to a Census report, Septimo says she wants to change that narrative.

"We need to open pathways of opportunity for everyone...if we are going to grow a green economy, people from the Bronx should have the first opportunity to participate in that, if we are going to be growing technology opportunities, we need to be training people in the Bronx to be skilled to have those jobs in the future," Septimo said.

During her five years as a state legislator, Septimo says her track record proves she has taken action for working families and small businesses. She helped spearhead funding for panic buttons and security upgrades in bodegas.

When it comes to housing, Septimo said she wants to expand section eight.

"The federal government is responsible for making sure public housing is up to par and we have seen for many years, including recently when we had a building collapse in our district in the South Bronx, for many years the federal government has abandoned public housing, that's something I am excited to be a champion for," said Septimo.

Asked if she secured an endorsement from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Septimo responded that she does not have any endorsements yet but is focused on the number of endorsements that matter, which is endorsements of voters.

Septimo will attempt to primary current Rep. Ritchie Torres, joining former Assembly Member Michael Blake, DSA organizer Dalourny Nemorin, public school teacher Andre Easton and Jose Vega, who ran against Torres as an independent candidate in 2024.

"Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres to be their voice fighting for them in Washington because he is a lifelong resident who has delivered real results for the community. Ritchie has been laser-focused on issues like public housing and affordability while standing up to Donald Trump. That’s why he’s going to win again next year," said Benny Stanislawski, spokesperson for Congressman Torres.