Miguel Alvelo-RiveraCandidate

Miguel Alvelo-Rivera

State HouseDemocrat

IL-HD-40 State House

Puerto Rican·Executive Director, Latino Union of Chicago

Why This Race Matters

Miguel Alvelo-Rivera is running against Jaime Andrade (D, incumbent).

Primary challenge to 12-year incumbent in diverse Chicago district. Alvelo-Rivera represents the progressive wing backed by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and the Working Families movement. HD-40 includes portions of Chicago's Northwest side (Albany Park, Irving Park, Portage Park) with growing Latino and immigrant populations. Test case for progressive labor organizing translating into electoral power.

Endorsed by Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, State Senator Graciela Guzman, and the Cook County College Teachers Union. Also backed by Chicago Working Families, multiple Chicago aldermen (Rodriguez Sanchez, Quezada), and Run for Something. First-time candidate with deep roots in labor movement. Campaign emphasizes cooperativism, solidarity, and collective struggle. Andrade has held seat since 2013 and won 2024 general with 83.5%.

Key dates to watch: Primary on March 17, 2026 and General Election on November 3, 2026.

About

Miguel Alvelo-Rivera is a Puerto Rican activist and community organizer running to represent Illinois House District 40. Born and raised in San Juan in a 17-story cooperative building partially funded by union organizing, he migrated to the United States in 2007 and has spent over a decade organizing alongside day laborers, domestic workers, and immigrant communities in Chicago. He is the executive director of Latino Union of Chicago, where he has helped pass landmark labor protections including the Illinois Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.

Family & Heritage

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and raised in a 17-story cooperative housing building that was partially funded by union organizing. His upbringing in cooperative housing shaped his belief that collective action and mutual aid can transform communities. Migrated to the United States in 2007, initially living in a shared apartment in Pilsen for $300/month. Later returned to Puerto Rico temporarily to care for his father after he developed a disability.

Political Career

Before Politics

Teacher and educator in youth programming; Theater of the oppressed facilitator; Uber driver, delivery driver, and bartender while organizing; Community advocacy and labor organizing for 15+ years

Education

B.A. from Northland College (2011); Graduate degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2013); High school diploma from Escuela del Pueblo Trabajador-Metodo Montessori (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Key Issues & Priorities

*Affordable housing and rent control (lift statewide ban, end algorithmic rent price-fixing)
*Workers rights ($30/hour minimum wage by 2030, end at-will employment, portable benefits for domestic workers)
*Universal healthcare
*Immigration rights and protection from ICE enforcement
*LGBTQIA+ protections
*Climate resilience
*Fully resourced public schools
*Disability justice

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