Katherine Rivera

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Katherine Rivera

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

High school

St. Michael's High School

Bachelor's

University of Tulsa, 1984

Personal

Birthplace

Santa Fe, N.M.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Account executive

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Katherine Rivera ran for election to the Santa Fe City Council to represent District 1 in New Mexico. She lost in the general election on November 4, 2025.

Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Katherine Rivera was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Rivera earned a high school diploma from St. Michael's High School and a bachelor's degree from the University of Tulsa in 1984. Her career experience includes working as an account executive. As of 2025, Rivera was affiliated with the Old Santa Fe Association.

Elections

2025

See also: City elections in Santa Fe, New Mexico (2025)

General election

General election for Santa Fe City Council District 1

Select round: Round 2 Round 1

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Patricia Feghali in round 2 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
	Submit photo	Patricia Feghali	52.9	3,962	552	Won (2)
		Katherine Rivera	47.1	3,521	986	2
	Submit photo	David Montoya	0.0	0	-2,499	2

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
	Submit photo	Patricia Feghali	40.4	3,410	0	Won (2)
		Katherine Rivera	30.0	2,535	0	2
	Submit photo	David Montoya	29.6	2,499	0	2

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 8,444
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rivera in this election.

2023

See also: City elections in Santa Fe, New Mexico (2023)

General election

General election for Santa Fe City Council District 1

Select round: Round 3 Round 2 Round 1

The ranked-choice voting election was won by Alma Castro in round 3 . The results of Round are displayed below. To see the results of other rounds, use the dropdown menu above to select a round and the table will update.

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Alma Castro	52.4	3,546	624	Won (3)
	Submit photo	Geno Zamora	47.6	3,226	394	3
		Katherine Rivera	0.0	0	-1,330	2
	Submit photo	Brian Gutierrez	0.0	0	0	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Alma Castro	41.2	2,922	199	Won (3)
	Submit photo	Geno Zamora	40.0	2,832	249	3
		Katherine Rivera	18.8	1,330	269	2
	Submit photo	Brian Gutierrez	0.0	0	-1,020	1

		Candidate	%	Total Votes	Transfer	Round eliminated
		Alma Castro	36.9	2,723	0	Won (3)
	Submit photo	Geno Zamora	35.0	2,583	0	3
		Katherine Rivera	14.4	1,061	0	2
	Submit photo	Brian Gutierrez	13.8	1,020	0	1

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 7,387
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rivera in this election.

Campaign themes

2025

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Katherine Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rivera's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a native of Santa Fe; born & raised in Santa Fe Through my 33+ year career in private industry Business Operations, I have global and national experience in areas of analytics, contract negotiations, budgets, complex project management, vendor management as well as compliance, and legal matters.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Local roots. Multi-cultural experience. Global perspective.
• Well versed in complex budgets and financial analysis.
• Focused on quality of life and basic infrastructure needs.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Sustainable growth and land use.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office is closest to learning and hearing the true needs of the community.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Too many to mention here

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty. Integrity. Compasssion.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Analysis and decisions on budgets and allocations. Analyzing and questioning new projects and opportunities. Negotiation and prioritization of community needs.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Someone who contributed to serving their city.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Apollo 11 moon landing July, 1969

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was employed at a restaurant for 3 years during high school.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. A fantastic to tale of a man who decides to revive chivalry and serve his nation.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Don Quixote

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Both my parents died at fairly young ages.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Any land use zoning changes must be approved by the City Council/Governing Body.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

No

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Experience in financial matters, especially budgets. Contract negotiation. Good listening skills.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

This office is closest to learning and hearing the true needs of the community.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

Too many to mention here.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

My global business success and experience.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2023

Katherine Rivera did not complete Ballotpedia's 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

See also

2025 Elections

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Candidate

Santa Fe City Council District 1

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