New York State Assemblymember representing the 149th district in Buffalo and Lackawanna since 2021. Lifelong Buffalo resident. Secured $25,000 for El Batey Puerto Rican Center and $3.8 million for the Hispanic Heritage Cultural Institute of WNY. Holds a master's from George Washington University.
JR
Serving
About
Family & Heritage
Born on July 19, 1986, in Buffalo, New York. Lifelong resident of Buffalo's West Side. Son of a police officer and teacher aide. His father David Rivera was President of the Puerto Rican Chicano Committee and first President of Hispanics United of Buffalo. Lives with his wife Stephanie and daughter Ana.
Political Career
Before Politics
Field representative for Congressman Brian Higgins (2005). Banker at HSBC, rising from customer service to Branch Manager and Licensed Sales Professional by age 23. Liaison to the Erie County Legislature under County Executive Mark Poloncarz. Special Assistant to the Commissioner of Public Works in Erie County.
Education
BA in Business Administration, SUNY Buffalo State College; Hutchinson Central Technical High School (Buffalo Public Schools)
Key Issues & Priorities
Lead poisoning prevention and housing reform
Refugee resettlement
Education investment
Waterfront development and tourism
Regional economic development