Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rivera begins first term, will focus on strengthening Pennsylvania’s public schools

Rivera begins first term, will focus on strengthening Pennsylvania’s public schools

HARRISBURG, Jan. 7 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera was sworn in to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today, beginning a new term serving the 96th Legislative District.

“As a long-time public high school teacher, school board director and president, I’ve come to Harrisburg to share my experience and knowledge to strengthen our public school system,” said Rivera, D-Lancaster. “We must eliminate these structural inequalities created and supported by an unfair funding system so all our children – who are the bedrock of Pennsylvania’s future – have a chance of reaching their potential.

“I am honored that the people of the 96th District chose me to serve as their state representative,” Rivera said. “I promise to fight every day for our working families, from supporting strong unions, establishing a living wage for all, offering efficient and effective health and mental health care, protecting our environment, and ensuring no one is discriminated against in the commonwealth.

“There’s a lot of work to be done, and I am ready for the fight.”

A 1994 University of Pittsburgh graduate, Rep. Rivera for the past 30 years taught high school Spanish in the Warwick School District. She also served as a longtime school board member working to improve public education. 

Rivera served as Manheim Township School board director from July 2016 through November 2024, and school board president from 2017 to 2021 and 2023 to 2024. She was also an IU-13 board member from 2018 to 2024 and vice president from 2019 to 2024.

Rivera has lived in Manheim Township since 1995 with her husband, Ramón. They are the proud parents of five children, ages 17 to 28. 

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is currently in its 209th consecutive legislative session, which began on Jan. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026.

The Oath of Office was administered by Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Todd, and the invocation was given by Bishop Maureen L. Davis, who is pastor of the Open Door Mission True Light Church, located in Philadelphia.

The 96th District includes parts of the City of Lancaster and Manheim Township, and East Petersburg Borough.