Mayra Rivera-Vazquez
Mayra Rivera-Vazquez (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent South Carolina's 1st Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Rivera-Vazquez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Mayra Rivera-Vazquez was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She graduated from Colegio San Jose Catholic School. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan in 1984, a graduate degree from the Institute of Economy and Law, Madrid in 2010, and a law degree from the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan in 1988. Her career experience includes working as a community advocate, deputy secretary for the Puerto Rico Electoral Commission, and community reinvestment officer for RG Premier Bank. She also served as an advisor to the Senate of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico Department of Economic Development & Commerce, and the Puerto Rico Corporation for Public Broadcasting. [1]
Rivera-Vazquez has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hopeful Horizons
- South Carolina Democratic Party
- Beaufort County Democratic Party
- Low Country Immigration Coalition
- Deverall Immigration Law
Elections
2026
See also: South Carolina's 1st Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1
The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House South Carolina District 1 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Robert Beers (D) | ||
 | Mac Deford (D) | |
 | Max Diaz (D)  | |
| Matthew Fulmer (D) | ||
 | Mayra Rivera-Vazquez (D) | |
| Dan Brown (South Carolina) (R) | ||
| Logan Cunningham (R) | ||
| Tyler Dykes (R) | ||
| Jack Ellison (R) | ||
| Sam McCown (R) | ||
| Alex Pelbath (R) | ||
 | Mark Smith (R) | |
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Nancy Mace (R)
Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Mayra Rivera-Vazquez completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rivera-Vazquez's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- The Lowcountry is blessed with natural beauty, talent, and opportunity, but far too many families are being left behind. As an economist, I have brought in federal resources to strengthen communities, and in Congress, I will fight to build an economy that works for everyone. That means fair wages, strong labor protections, and modern, resilient infrastructure that attracts good-paying jobs while protecting homes and businesses from flooding. I will end unfair tax breaks for the wealthy few and invest instead in education, job training, and workforce development so every family has a fair chance to succeed. I know what it’s like to work hard and still struggle, and I’ll never stop fighting for working families across the Lowcountry.
- Every South Carolinian deserves quality, affordable health care, yet too many are left behind as hospitals close, doctors leave the state, and prescription costs soar. As the mother of a nonverbal autistic child and the wife of an Army veteran, I have seen the struggles families face firsthand. In Congress, I will fight to expand Medicaid, reduce drug prices, and protect reproductive health care so patients and doctors—not politicians—make medical decisions. I will work to sustain rural hospitals, improve services for veterans, and expand support for people with disabilities. Health care is deeply personal for me, and I will always stand up for families across the Lowcountry.
- I believe our nation needs immigration policies that are fair, practical, and humane. Current approaches that rely on fear and chaos have failed families and businesses while undermining our economy. As a proud American and the daughter of Latino parents, I know diversity makes us stronger. In Congress, I will fight for common-sense immigration reform that secures our borders while creating clear, legal pathways for families and workers. I will oppose policies that terrorize communities and instead support solutions that protect children, keep families together, and provide businesses with the talent they need to grow. I will always fight for policies that reflect America’s values of opportunity, fairness, and compassion.
When I was younger, seeing her on the national stage meant something profound. She didn’t look or sound like the politicians we were used to seeing — she sounded like home. She spoke about community, fairness, and opportunity, but also about the dignity and struggles of working families and immigrants. She showed that leadership could be fierce and empathetic at the same time.
I also look up to the many women — famous and not — who balance public service with the demands of motherhood, caregiving, and community life. Their example reminds me that leadership is not about perfection, but perseverance. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and making space for others to be seen.
If elected, I want to follow that example — to serve with integrity, to listen deeply, and to be a voice for people who have too often been ignored. I want to show that Congress can look like the communities it serves — that a Latina from Puerto Rico, a mother of a child with autism, can stand on the House floor and speak for families across the Lowcountry and across this country.
Equally important is empathy. Leaders must be able to listen, truly listen, to the struggles of the people they represent. As a mother of a nonverbal autistic son, a grandmother, and the wife of a veteran, I know what it feels like to fight for health care, to worry about the cost of groceries or rent, and to navigate systems that don’t work for everyone. Empathy allows elected officials to see past the headlines and statistics and focus on how policies touch real families.
An elected official also needs courage. Too often, politicians choose the safe path, following polls or donors instead of their conscience. Real leadership requires standing up when it matters most—whether that means protecting reproductive freedom and access to abortion, fighting for fair wages, or defending our democracy itself.
Practicality matters as well. The challenges we face in the Lowcountry—flooding, the rising cost of living, health care access, and immigration—don’t need more political games. They need solutions. That’s why I believe an elected official should have the skills and willingness to bring people together across differences, focus on results, and get things done. My work as an economist and nonprofit leader has shown me that progress happens when we stop fighting over who gets credit and start focusing on who needs help.
An elected official must listen. Too often, politicians go to Washington and forget where they came from. Listening means holding town halls, meeting with people in every corner of the district, and being accessible to all constituents, not just a privileged few. It means hearing directly from families about their health care challenges, small business owners about their economic struggles, and veterans about the services they’ve been denied.
Second, the job is to fight for resources and policies that improve lives. In the Lowcountry, that means bringing home federal investments for infrastructure, protecting the coastline from flooding and offshore drilling, supporting military families and veterans, and ensuring schools and workforce programs have the funding they need. A representative’s duty is to advocate for their community in every committee room and on every vote.
Third, an elected official must protect the rights and freedoms of their constituents. That includes defending reproductive freedom, voting rights, equal opportunity, and access to affordable health care. It also means standing up against efforts to divide or weaken our democracy.
Fourth, there is a responsibility to govern with honesty and transparency. That means being clear about priorities, explaining decisions, and remaining accountable. Trust is earned, and it can only be kept by showing up consistently and putting the people first in every action.
Throughout this campaign, I’ve heard countless people across the district say things like, “We’ve never had someone like you represent us.” Or, “My daughter saw your photo and said, ‘She looks like me.’” Those words move me every time. Because that’s what this is really about — showing people that leadership doesn’t belong to one group, one party, or one kind of person. It belongs to all of us.
My legacy will be measured not only in legislation passed but in the doors opened. I want to be remembered as someone who gave others the courage to lead — who made public service feel accessible to working families, single mothers, immigrants, and anyone who ever felt unseen or unheard.
I want to build a legacy of action and compassion — fighting for policies that lift families out of poverty, protect women’s health and rights, make our democracy stronger, and ensure that every child in the Lowcountry and beyond grows up knowing that their voice matters.
Even as a child, I could sense that something important was happening — people were passionate, engaged, and debating ideas that would shape the island for decades. That was my first understanding of politics as something living and powerful — not abstract, but personal, because it touched families, jobs, and the direction of our country.
My work focused on preparing federal proposals for infrastructure, housing, and road improvements, and on conducting socioeconomic surveys in low-income communities to identify urgent needs for affordable housing and sewer systems. I spent time listening to residents, documenting living conditions, and translating their realities into data that could drive federal investment.
That experience taught me that government can be a powerful force for good when it listens to people and acts with compassion and integrity. I saw how smart planning and well-designed programs could transform neighborhoods — bringing clean water, safer streets, and dignity to families who had been forgotten for too long.
It also deepened my belief that economic policy is not just about numbers — it’s about people. Working at the local level gave me a front-row view of how decisions made in Washington directly impact daily life in our communities. It reinforced my commitment to public service and inspired my lifelong mission to make sure that every dollar invested truly improves the lives of those who need it most.
As a Puerto Rican woman who came from the island and built a life here in the Lowcountry, I felt every page of that story. It’s about resilience, identity, and the courage to redefine yourself while holding onto your roots. It’s about a mother’s love, the power of language, and the determination to succeed despite barriers.
Santiago’s story reminds me that representation matters — that our voices, our culture, and our experiences deserve to be part of the American story. Her words capture what it feels like to love an island deeply, to carry it with you wherever you go, and to fight for the right to be seen and heard.
As a Latina, a mother, and a woman who’s spent her life fighting for fairness and opportunity, I connect deeply with the idea of leading with both heart and conviction. Wonder Woman doesn’t fight for herself — she fights for others, especially those who can’t fight for themselves. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in.
In Congress, I want to bring that same spirit — the courage to stand up for what’s right even when it’s hard, the empathy to listen to people’s struggles, and the determination to build a world where kindness and justice are not seen as weaknesses but as strengths.
Every day, I watch my son navigate a world that was not built to include him. He communicates in his own way, and every small victory feels monumental. I’ll never forget the first time he looked into my eyes and truly recognized me—a moment most parents take for granted but that, for us, was a milestone. From learning to eat with a fork to walking across the stage at graduation, each step forward has required strength, resilience, and a community of love.
That’s why it was so painful to hear Donald Trump’s recent remarks about autism—comments that dismissed the lived experiences of thousands of families like mine. His words reopened wounds that so many parents have worked years to heal. They didn’t just offend; they isolated. They rolled back progress toward understanding and inclusion.
As a mother, I have learned that advocacy can be exhausting but essential. As a candidate, I know we need leaders who lead with empathy, guided by truth and compassion. In Congress, I will fight to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), expand early intervention and therapy access, and support families through respite care and inclusive education.
Another quality that makes the House unique is the diversity of voices it brings together. With 435 members, the House reflects the full range of America’s experiences. In our district, that diversity includes fast-growing suburbs in Dorchester and Berkeley, historic Gullah Geechee communities in Charleston, and military families and retirees in Beaufort. Each has different needs, but all deserve to be represented. The House was built to carry those voices directly into national debates.
The House also holds the “power of the purse.” That constitutional responsibility to originate spending bills gives the Lowcountry a direct line in shaping how federal dollars are invested. For example, funding decisions can determine whether Berkeley County roads keep up with growth, whether Beaufort’s rural health clinics remain open, whether Charleston receives critical resilience dollars to prevent flooding, or whether Dorchester classrooms get the federal support they need to serve a growing student population.
At the same time, we face urgent issues that demand leadership grounded in both courage and compassion — protecting our planet and coastal communities from climate change, defending reproductive and voting rights, rebuilding our public health and education systems, and managing the rapid rise of technology and artificial intelligence responsibly.
One major issue with term limits is that they take power away from voters. If a community believes their representative is doing a good job, they should have the right to keep sending that person to Washington. Arbitrary limits would deny people the chance to keep an effective advocate. Democracy works best when voters decide, not when the calendar does.
Term limits also risk shifting influence from elected officials to unelected insiders. When experienced lawmakers are forced out, lobbyists, bureaucrats, and political staff often gain more control, because they don’t face voters at all. That can weaken accountability and hand more power to special interests.
Another concern is the loss of institutional knowledge. Congress is complex, with arcane rules, powerful committees, and complicated negotiations. It takes time to learn how to navigate the system effectively for a district. Constant turnover means fewer representatives with the expertise needed to fight for resources, shape legislation, or hold federal agencies accountable. That inexperience can leave communities like the Lowcountry at a disadvantage compared to regions represented by more seasoned members.
Finally, term limits can make elected officials short-sighted. If someone knows they can only serve a few years, they may focus on quick wins rather than investing in long-term solutions for their district.
One story that stayed with me was from Lacey Lane, a mother and educator from South Carolina. Lacey shared that her second child developed a dangerous brain anomaly in utero. She said, “I made the painful decision to end that pregnancy — to spare my child from suffering and to protect my family from further emotional harm. I was later able to give birth to another healthy child.” Lacey testified while holding her newborn baby, a living reminder that because she was able to receive timely, compassionate medical care, she survived and was able to have a healthy pregnancy later.
First, we face the challenge of building an economy that works for everyone. Wages have not kept pace with the cost of living, housing is out of reach for too many families in the Lowcountry, and wealth inequality continues to widen. At the same time, we must prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow by investing in education, training, and infrastructure. If we fail to do this, we risk leaving a generation behind.
Second, health care will continue to be one of our most pressing challenges. Too many Americans still go without affordable coverage, rural hospitals are closing, and prescription drug prices keep rising. We must decide whether health care will remain a privilege for the few or finally become a right for all.
Third, we face the growing impact of the climate crisis. Communities across the country — including right here in the Lowcountry — are already dealing with flooding, rising seas, and extreme weather. The choices we make in the next decade will determine whether we protect our homes and environment or pass the cost of inaction on to future generations.
Fourth, we must confront the challenges of division and democracy itself. Political polarization, attacks on voting rights, and efforts to sow fear and misinformation threaten the very foundations of our nation.
Finally, America must continue to be a beacon of opportunity and inclusion. That means fixing our immigration system so it is fair and functional, embracing diversity as a strength, and ensuring that every person — regardless of race, gender, income, or background — can live with— can live with dignity and hope.
If elected, I will use that constitutional power to make sure that federal spending aligns with the needs of working families, not the wishes of corporate lobbyists. That means closing tax loopholes that allow billionaires and large corporations to avoid paying their fair share while small business owners and teachers shoulder the burden. It means ensuring that every federal dollar invested in South Carolina is spent wisely — strengthening our infrastructure, improving public schools, lowering healthcare costs, and protecting our beautiful coastline from climate threats.
For me, this isn’t an abstract debate about numbers on a page. It’s about how families in Beaufort, Collington, Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, and Jasper Counties experience daily life — whether they can afford housing, whether hospitals stay open, whether kids have safe schools, and whether small businesses can thrive. The House’s authority to originate revenue bills is the cornerstone of how we build a government that serves people instead of power.
If elected, I would support the responsible use of that power to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption wherever it exists — whether in government agencies, private contractors, or powerful corporations that misuse public funds. Oversight should never be partisan theater. It should be about facts, fairness, and protecting the public interest. Unfortunately, we’ve seen too many investigations in recent years used as political weapons rather than as instruments of truth. That undermines public trust and distracts from real issues like lowering costs, protecting healthcare, and improving lives.
I believe the House’s investigative authority should focus on problems that affect ordinary Americans — like why prescription drugs remain unaffordable despite massive corporate profits, why FEMA recovery funds are slow to reach communities hit by hurricanes, and why maternal mortality remains so high in states like South Carolina. These are the investigations that matter — the ones that save lives, strengthen democracy, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.
Through outreach, education, and collaboration, I helped organize voter registration drives, leadership trainings, and community forums that brought together people who had never before been invited into the political process. We saw a significant increase in Hispanic voter registration and participation, but more importantly, we built lasting relationships of trust and understanding among communities that had too often been overlooked or divided.
I also helped sponsor a series of statewide forums and discussions that addressed the issues most important to South Carolina families — from healthcare and education to immigration, jobs, veterans' issues, and environmental protection. These events weren’t just about politics; they were about empowerment. They gave everyday citizens a chance to be heard and to see that their voices mattered.
What I’m most proud of is not just the numbers we achieved, but the spirit of unity we built — Democrats, independents, young voters, faith leaders, and activists working together toward shared goals. I saw firsthand how powerful it is when diverse communities come together around common values like dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
First, the government must set basic guardrails for AI. Without oversight, AI could be misused to spread disinformation or replace workers without protections. In Charleston, where small businesses drive the economy, and in Berkeley and Dorchester, where new industries are growing, we need AI rules that protect consumers, safeguard privacy, and ensure fair competition.
Second, the government should invest in research and workforce training so the Lowcountry is ready for the jobs AI will create. That means supporting our technical colleges, expanding STEM education in Dorchester schools, and giving workers in Beaufort and Berkeley counties access to retraining programs. These investments will help prepare our children and workers for high-paying careers in technology, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.
Third, AI can help us tackle challenges unique to the Lowcountry. For example, it can be used in flood prediction and coastal resilience planning in Charleston and Beaufort, helping us protect homes and businesses from rising seas. It can also help improve healthcare delivery in rural parts of the district by expanding telemedicine and diagnostics. The government’s role is to make sure these innovations reach everyone — not just large corporations.
Fourth, we must ensure AI is not used to undermine democracy or civil rights. In South Carolina, where we’ve already seen efforts to restrict voting, AI-driven misinformation and “deepfakes” could threaten trust in our elections. The federal government must act to prevent those abuses while protecting equal opportunity in hiring, housing, and lending.
Finally, America must lead in shaping international agreements on AI, just as we’ve done with nuclear power and trade. If we don’t lead, others will — and our economy, including industries here in the Lowcountry, could be left vulnerable.
First, I would champion a modernized Voting Rights Act that restores federal oversight to prevent voter suppression and guarantees early voting, vote-by-mail, and same-day registration nationwide. Our elections must be run by nonpartisan professionals and built on transparency and trust — not partisan manipulation.
Second, I would support a Democracy and Climate Resilience Act, recognizing that climate change threatens both our environment and our economy, particularly here in the Lowcountry. Rising seas, flooding, and extreme weather already affect our communities, homes, and economy in the Lowcountry and part of that solution includes directing federal funding toward climate adaptation that protects our coastal infrastructure, small businesses, and natural resources.
I would champion legislation that delivers for working families — expanding the Child Tax Credit, guaranteeing paid family and medical leave, improving access to affordable childcare, and ensuring fair wages. These are investments in the dignity and stability of every household, and they make our economy stronger from the middle out, not the top down.
Finally, I believe we must pass comprehensive immigration reform that includes a clear, earned path to citizenship for immigrants who work hard, pay taxes, and contribute to our communities. Millions of families live in uncertainty despite strengthening our workforce and enriching our culture. A fair immigration system honors their contributions and upholds our values as a nation of opportunity.
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Campaign finance summary
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House South Carolina District 1 |
Personal |
Footnotes
