Luz Rivas
American politician (born 1974)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Luz Maria Rivas (born February 6, 1974) is an American politician who has served as the U.S. representative from California's 29th congressional district since 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented the 43rd district in the California State Assembly from 2018 to 2024.
43rd district (2022–2024)
Luz Rivas | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2024 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California's 29th district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Tony Cárdenas |
| Member of the California Assembly | |
| In office June 11, 2018 – November 30, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Raul Bocanegra |
| Succeeded by | Celeste Rodriguez |
| Constituency | 39th district (2018–2022) 43rd district (2022–2024) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Luz Maria Rivas February 6, 1974 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Party | Democratic |
| Education | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (BS) Harvard University (MEd) |
| Signature |  |
| Website | House website Campaign website |
Early life and education
Rivas was born and raised in Los Angeles. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worked for Motorola, and then earned a Master of Education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.[1] She founded a non-profit organization based in Pacoima, Los Angeles, to encourage school age girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.[2] She also served on Los Angeles' City Public Works Commission.[1]
California State Assembly
Following Raul Bocanegra's resignation from the California State Assembly, Rivas declared her candidacy in the special election to succeed him.[1] Rivas won the special election on June 5, 2018,[3] and was sworn into office on June 11.[4]
Rivas is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.[5]
Housing
Rivas has opposed legislative proposals that would reduce the stringent regulations on affordable housing construction along California's coast (which includes many of the state's most affluent and segregated areas).[6][7] She has sought to limit the ability of religious institutions to build more housing.[8] Rivas is a member of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.[5]
U.S. House of Representatives
2024 election
Tony Cárdenas, the incumbent U.S. Representative for California's 29th congressional district, announced that he would not run for reelection in the 2024 elections. Rivas announced her candidacy for the seat, with Cárdenas' endorsement.[9] She won the election.[10]
Tenure
Before the start of the 119th Congress, Rivas was elected as the freshman class representative for the Democratic Caucus, defeating Maryland freshman U.S. Representative-elect Sarah Elfreth and Washington freshman U.S. Representative-elect Emily Randall.[11]
Committee assignments
Caucus membership
Personal life
Rivas is Catholic.[14] Rivas was the founder of DIY Girls, which is a non-profit organization that supports girls who are interested in learning technology and engineering through mentorship and education.[15][self-published source?]
Electoral history
2018 California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Luz Rivas | 20,453 | 43.9 | |
| Republican | Ricardo Antonio Benitez | 11,679 | 25.1 | |
| Democratic | Patty López | 6,783 | 14.6 | |
| Democratic | Antonio Sanchez | 4,705 | 10.1 | |
| Democratic | Patrea Patrick | 1,740 | 3.7 | |
| Democratic | Bonnie Corwin | 1,220 | 2.6 | |
| Total votes | 46,580 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Luz Rivas (incumbent) | 85,027 | 77.7 | |
| Republican | Ricardo Antonio Benitez | 24,468 | 22.3 | |
| Total votes | 109,495 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2020 California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Luz Rivas (incumbent) | 37,867 | 77.1% | |
| Republican | Ricardo Benitez | 11,237 | 22.9% | |
| Total votes | ||||
2022 California State Assembly
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Luz Rivas (incumbent) | 38,303 | 98.5 | |
| Republican | Siaka Massaquoi (write-in) | 575 | 1.5 | |
| Total votes | 38,878 | 100% | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Luz Rivas (incumbent) | 55,282 | 74.6 | |
| Republican | Siaka Massaquoi | 18,782 | 25.4 | |
| Total votes | 74,064 | 100% | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
2024 U.S. House of Representatives
| Primary election | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
| Democratic | Luz Rivas | 40,096 | 49.3 | |
| Republican | Benito Bernal | 21,446 | 26.4 | |
| Democratic | Angelica Dueñas | 19,844 | 24.4 | |
| Total votes | 81,386 | 100.0 | ||
| General election | ||||
| Democratic | Luz Rivas | 146,312 | 69.8 | |
| Republican | Benito Bernal | 63,374 | 30.2 | |
| Total votes | 209,686 | 100.0 | ||
| Democratic hold | ||||
