Washington, D.C. – Today, Latino Victory Fund announced the endorsement of Carlina Rivera, candidate for New York’s 10th Congressional District. If elected, Rivera would be the first Latina elected to represent the newly drawn 10th District.
Statement by Nathalie Rayes, Latino Victory Fund President & CEO:
“Carlina is a dedicated advocate and an experienced public servant who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life of her community. She’s an effective, no-nonsense legislator with a proven track record as a city council member and the grit to get things done in Washington. Carlina will bring that same energy and passion to Congress, where she’ll focus on improving housing conditions, expanding affordable healthcare, and improving public transit for the 10th District. As the daughter of a single mother who grew up in Section 8 housing, she knows first-hand the value of policies and programs that level the playing field and give families and children a fighting chance to succeed. This life experience will add a necessary and valuable perspective to Carlina’s work as a legislator, one that’s greatly needed in Congress.
“This newly drawn congressional seat presents a prime opportunity to increase Latino representation in Congress and strengthen the Latina delegation in the U.S. House, which remains severely underrepresented. Latino Victory is thrilled to give our full support to Carlina Rivera in her bid for the 10th Congressional District. We look forward to seeing her get elected and fulfill her commitment to improving her community as a member of Congress.”
Meet Carlina Rivera
- A poll of the 10th Congressional District conducted by the progressive firm Data for Progress has Rivera leading the Democratic primary with support from 17% of likely voters.
- Rivera is a lifelong New Yorker and a City Council Member who currently represents the East Side of Manhattan. She was born in Bellevue Hospital and grew up in Section 8 housing to a single mother who emigrated from Puerto Rico to Brooklyn.
- Rivera began her career in youth and afterschool programming in some of New York City’s highest-needs neighborhoods. She later developed and organized initiatives for seniors and New Yorkers experiencing homelessness at Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES).
- Rivera also worked to launch a recovery network that helped families during Hurricane Sandy, the 2nd Ave Explosion, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Before her election to city council, Rivera served as a community board member and organizer on landmark New York City infrastructure projects, including Essex Crossing and the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project, creating affordable housing and a more resilient coastline.
- As a New York City Council Member since 2018, Rivera has a record of championing progressive budget initiatives and landmark legislation.
- She has fierce advocacy wins on climate, abortion access, small business relief, immigration justice, worker protections and labor standards, animal rights, tech-focused workforce development, and community safety focused on violence interruption, youth programming, and direct health services.
