Rea is the first Latino elected to the Kansas City City Council in nearly 30 years, breaking a gap since Bobby Hernandez served 1975-1991. He was one of two Latinos elected to the council in 2023 (alongside Jonathan Duncan), marking a historic expansion of representation in a city where only two Latinos had ever served since incorporation in 1853.
Won June 2023 general election 56.8% to 43.2% over Justin Short, after leading a 5-candidate primary with 36.0% (15,247 votes). Endorsed by Freedom Inc., Southland Progress, and numerous local unions. His term ends August 2027. In office, he has become known as a public safety advocate — sponsoring the illegal dumping ordinance that cut response times 30% and proposing seizure of sideshow vehicles.