Melvin Rivera

Melvin Rivera's first job was at the YMCA while he was still in high school.¹ Born and raised in Bushwick, he describes a life that has included homelessness as well as decades of community organizing.¹ His work has involved young people, seniors, people with disabilities and families trying to find stable housing.¹

In 2018, Rivera helped families displaced by Hurricane Maria connect with housing, benefits, jobs and training.¹ He later organized tenants responding to foreclosure and rent concerns in his own building and neighboring properties.¹ During the pandemic, he worked in the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit and as a social distance ambassador, helping restaurants and public spaces follow health guidelines.¹

He is the 7th District's Republican candidate.² Housing remains central to his campaign, including homeownership, neighborhood investment and protections against displacement.³ His website describes work on a proposed tax aimed at discouraging rapid property resales by speculators, alongside advocacy against aggressive real estate solicitation.¹

Rivera's broader platform emphasizes free enterprise, workforce development, public safety and transparent government.³ He also supports community ownership and infrastructure that protects public health.³ His campaign presents the needs of Brooklyn and Queens as requiring approaches tailored to each community, with strong families and economic opportunity among its stated goals.³