Miguel Alvelo-Rivera
From Ballotpedia
Miguel Alvelo-Rivera (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Illinois House of Representatives to represent District 40. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on March 17, 2026.
Alvelo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Miguel Alvelo-Rivera was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He earned a high school diploma from Escuela del Pueblo Trabajador-Método Montessori, a bachelor's degree from Northland College in 2011, and a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2013. His career experience includes teaching and working in advocacy along with working as an adult literacy educator and after school program director. Alvelo-Rivera has served as the executive director of the Latino Union of Chicago.[1][2]
Elections
2026
See also: Illinois House of Representatives elections, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
General election for Illinois House of Representatives District 40
Miguel Alvelo-Rivera (D) is running in the general election for Illinois House of Representatives District 40 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Miguel Alvelo-Rivera (D)  | |
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Democratic primary
The candidate list in this election may not be complete.
Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 40
Miguel Alvelo-Rivera (D) defeated incumbent Jaime Andrade (D) in the Democratic primary for Illinois House of Representatives District 40 on March 17, 2026.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Miguel Alvelo-Rivera | 55.7 | 8,019 |
 | Jaime Andrade | 44.3 | 6,374 | |
| Total votes: 14,393 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Alvelo-Rivera received the following endorsements. To view a full list of Alvelo-Rivera's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
- Cook County, Ill., Latino Democrats
- 33rd Ward Working Families
- Better Streets Chicago Action Fund
- Girl, I Guess
- Girl, I Guess: A Progressive Voter Guide to the 2026 Primary Election (Sway viewpoint group by Girl, I Guess)
- Max’s Cuntsel Voter Guide (Sway viewpoint group by Max Seeley)
- Megan Thuy's Voting Guide for the Cool Kids (Sway viewpoint group by Megan Thuy)
- New American Leaders Action Fund
- The People's 32nd
- United Neighbors of the 35th Ward
- United Northwest Side
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Miguel Alvelo-Rivera completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Alvelo-Rivera's responses.
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My name is Miguel Alvelo-Rivera, and I’m running for State Representative because working people deserve a champion who will fight for dignity, safety, and equity for all our communities. We must use every tool, every office, and every space to defeat fascism and build the just world we deserve. I’ve been organizing since I was 13 — alongside workers, neighbors, and grassroots leaders — because I learned that real change comes from us. During the pandemic, when our systems failed, I helped open a makeshift food pantry that fed over 300 people weekly for a year. That effort grew into a permanent community program, born from neighbors looking out for each other. For over a decade, I’ve fought to raise wages, expand healthcare, protect immigrants, and invest in housing, education, and mental health. As Executive Director of the Latino Union of Chicago, I organize with domestic workers and day laborers for fair conditions and just pay.
I’m running to be part of a movement that governs with people — not above them — to build a state that serves working families, not the ultra-rich. This campaign is about us, by us, and for our collective liberation.
- Cooperativism is one of the core values I was raised with. It places human need and care above greed and individualism. Cooperativism, both a social and economic system, is rooted in sharing resources and meeting people’s needs. It emphasizes abundance and collective well-being over scarcity and exploitation. This value shapes my approach to decision-making: I’m always working to build sustainable models of development. That means forming coalitions, collaborating deeply, and finding common ground so we can move forward together from a place of mutual support and growth. As a movement candidate, I commit to building co-governance models that meet our communities’ needs and create a better future for all.
- Solidarity is the action through which we ensure each other’s survival. It begins with recognizing that our individual well-being is inseparable from the well-being of those around us. Acting in solidarity means acting from a place of love for the benefit of all. This principle guides the issues I care about and the work I dedicate myself to. It helps me see the interconnectedness of the challenges we face as a society and drives me to study them deeply so I can better serve and improve our collective conditions. This is what has shaped my advocacy for workers’ rights, environmental justice, and social justice.
- Struggle is the action through which change becomes possible. It’s how we grow, shape our future, and defend the rights we’ve won. Every person deserves dignity, justice, and freedom. I’ve learned that when communities care for one another, anything is possible. Growing up, I watched my parents and neighbors share what little they had—childcare, support, and solidarity—because our survival depended on collective care. That lesson guides my approach to public service: meaningful change comes from people organizing together. My guiding question is always: how do we move together toward liberation?
I have strong legislative experience in labor, environmental, and immigration policy. As executive director of the Latino Union of Chicago, I helped draft a proposal for city-run Economic Opportunity and Development Centers to protect day laborers and connect them with dignified work and services. I’ve worked on policies to expand paid time off, protect migrant workers from retaliation, create safeguards for outdoor workers, end at-will employment, and develop a portable benefits system for domestic workers. These efforts have taught me the value of effective policy writing and strong inside–outside strategies—lessons I will bring to building a better Illinois.
Our state officials should be focusing on reducing the harm created by punitive systems while expanding the conditions that support real safety and well-being. This includes working to limit the overreach of policing, incarceration, and other carceral responses, and ensuring that state policies do not rely on punishment as a primary tool for addressing social issues.
It is also critical to develop and support community-based alternatives. This can involve strengthening non-carceral crisis response programs, restorative and transformative justice initiatives, youth services, and public mental-health and behavioral-health supports. These efforts reflect the belief that safety is created when people’s needs are met.
Another core responsibility is investing in the social, economic, and environmental foundations of safety. This means prioritizing budgets and legislation that expand access to housing, health care, education, employment opportunities, and community infrastructure—particularly in communities that have been historically over-policed and under-resourced.
Protecting civil and human rights is also central. This includes examining how state policies affect marginalized groups and ensuring that systems of government operate transparently and with meaningful accountability.
A state legislator guided by principles of reducing harm and promoting real safety focuses on limiting the reliance on punitive systems while strengthening the conditions that help communities thrive. This includes examining how state policies contribute to the overreach of policing, incarceration, or other punitive responses, and ensuring that addressing social issues does not default to punishment.
Such an approach emphasizes developing and expanding community-based alternatives—programs that provide crisis response without law enforcement, restorative or transformative justice options, youth supports, and comprehensive mental-health and behavioral-health services. These efforts reflect an understanding that safety grows from meeting people’s needs, not from increasing punishment.
A core responsibility is investing in the social, economic, and environmental foundations of well-being. This means prioritizing budgets and legislation that increase access to stable housing, health care, education, employment pathways, and community infrastructure, especially in neighborhoods that have long been under-resourced.
Protecting civil and human rights is central to this work. It involves examining how state laws and agencies impact marginalized groups and ensuring that government systems operate with transparency, fairness, and meaningful accountability.
For years, the people of Vieques (Puerto Rico) fought to end the U.S. Navy’s bombing exercises on their island, and in 2003 their protests finally succeeded. But even after the Navy left, the damage didn’t disappear. Decades of military activity left the land and surrounding waters deeply contaminated, and residents continue to live with the consequences. Cancer rates, cardiovascular disease, and other serious illnesses are significantly higher than elsewhere in Puerto Rico. Thousands of unexploded bombs remain buried on land and underwater, and concerns about heavy metals like uranium still weigh heavily on the community. For many families in Vieques, the struggle didn’t end with the Navy’s departure—it simply changed into a long fight for health, safety, and environmental justice.
Growing up, I lived in a 17-story cooperative building in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When I was about 11 or 12, I went door to door offering to take residents’ garbage out in exchange for a small fee. I did that for a year or two before moving on to selling frozen desserts.
The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to building systems that support community well-being. Both branches work together to craft policies and budgets that reduce reliance on punitive approaches, focusing instead on investments in housing, health care, education, economic opportunity, and community-based supports that prevent harm and strengthen public safety.
This partnership emphasizes transparency and oversight, ensuring that laws and programs are implemented fairly and equitably. The legislature holds the executive accountable, while the governor respects checks and balances and supports initiatives that address systemic inequities and protect civil and human rights.
Central to this relationship is centering the voices of those most impacted by systemic harm. Policies are shaped in consultation with community members and grassroots organizations, recognizing their expertise and lived experience as essential to effective governance.
Illinois faces several major challenges in the coming decade, all rooted in decades of disinvestment and structural inequity. One of the greatest challenges will be building a sustainable, inclusive economy that supports working people, addresses wage stagnation, and expands access to housing, healthcare, and public services statewide. Meeting this moment will require progressive revenue solutions that ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their fair share so Illinois can fully fund education, transit, environmental protection, and social services without burdening working families. We must also confront the accelerating impacts of climate change—from extreme heat and flooding to industrial pollution—by investing in resilient infrastructure, clean energy, and environmental justice for communities long harmed by toxic industries.
Another critical challenge is strengthening our democracy: protecting voting rights, expanding civic participation, and rebuilding public trust in institutions. Finally, Illinois must address public safety by investing in community-based solutions, mental health care, and youth opportunities rather than relying on systems that perpetuate harm. Tackling these challenges will require bold leadership, deep community partnership, and a commitment to policies rooted in equity, care, and long-term sustainability.
Another critical challenge is strengthening our democracy: protecting voting rights, expanding civic participation, and rebuilding public trust in institutions. Finally, Illinois must address public safety by investing in community-based solutions, mental health care, and youth opportunities rather than relying on systems that perpetuate harm. Tackling these challenges will require bold leadership, deep community partnership, and a commitment to policies rooted in equity, care, and long-term sustainability.
While it’s not strictly necessary for a state legislator to have previous experience in government, it is important that they understand how to create and advance policy and have a clear grasp of how government functions. Equally important is understanding the current political climate and how to navigate it to achieve sustainable change. Experience can be helpful in building relationships, understanding legislative processes, and knowing how to turn ideas into actionable legislation, but it is not a substitute for vision, commitment to community needs, or the ability to listen to and work with the people a legislator represents. Ultimately, effective legislators combine knowledge of government processes with responsiveness, creativity, and a focus on building durable solutions that improve people’s lives.
Yes, it’s critical to build relationships with other legislators. The only way to pass legislation is by convincing enough people that a proposal is worthwhile and aligns with shared goals. Strong relationships foster trust, open lines of communication, and collaboration, making it possible to find common ground even across differences. They allow legislators to work strategically, build coalitions, and navigate complex political dynamics while keeping the focus on serving the community. Ultimately, meaningful relationships with colleagues are essential for turning ideas into actionable policy that has lasting impact.
Yes. Senator Graciela Guzmán is the legislator I most hope to model myself after. She leads with humility, courage, and deep accountability to the communities that put her in office, and she practices true co-governance—not as a slogan, but as a daily discipline. Senator Guzmán helped build a powerful rapid response network that mobilizes neighbors, organizers, and service providers to support people in crisis and defend those targeted by state violence or injustice. She has also passed a significant amount of meaningful legislation in a remarkably short time, proving that bold, community-rooted leadership can translate into real policy wins. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside her through 33rd Ward Working Families, and I’ve seen how she navigates government without compromising her principles or her commitment to collective liberation. Her example reminds me that elected office is not about personal power—it’s about using the platform to lift up our communities and advance justice in partnership with the people most impacted.
Yes. One of the most impactful stories I’ve heard is Irma’s story from Israel’s Gifts of Hope, an organization created after the tragic loss of Israel Aragón Jr. Instead of allowing grief to consume them, Israel’s family turned their pain into a foundation that supports others impacted by gun violence—offering love, hope, and community where there is so often isolation and despair. Irma shared how, after losing a loved one, she felt engulfed by grief and fear, unsure how to keep moving forward while gun violence continued tearing families apart. Through Israel’s Gifts of Hope, she found a space where people understood her pain and where healing came through connection, remembrance, and building something life-affirming out of unimaginable loss.
What touched me most was Irma’s determination not only to heal, but to help others heal—choosing to honor Israel’s memory by giving back, creating moments of joy for families, and raising awareness about the devastating impact gun violence has on entire communities. Her story reminds me that public policy must be rooted in the lived experiences of those who carry the deepest wounds, and that true safety comes from community, compassion, and addressing trauma—not from punitive systems. Irma’s courage and Israel’s legacy continue to shape how I think ab
What touched me most was Irma’s determination not only to heal, but to help others heal—choosing to honor Israel’s memory by giving back, creating moments of joy for families, and raising awareness about the devastating impact gun violence has on entire communities. Her story reminds me that public policy must be rooted in the lived experiences of those who carry the deepest wounds, and that true safety comes from community, compassion, and addressing trauma—not from punitive systems. Irma’s courage and Israel’s legacy continue to shape how I think ab
Yes, the legislature should oversee and grant the use of emergency powers. Emergency powers can have significant impacts on communities, including expanding policing, restricting rights, and concentrating authority in ways that can harm marginalized populations. Legislative oversight ensures that these powers are used responsibly, transparently, and for the public good, rather than allowing unilateral decisions that may have unintended or disproportionate consequences. By granting and reviewing emergency powers, the legislature can set clear limits, require accountability, and ensure that responses prioritize community well-being, safety, and support systems rather than punishment or coercion. This approach balances the need for swift action with the protection of rights and long-term stability.
The first bill I would introduce would establish Employment Opportunity and Development Centers (EODCs). These centers would serve as one-stop hubs that connect workers—regardless of immigration status—to responsible employers, good-paying jobs, workforce training, and wraparound services such as childcare, legal support, and transportation assistance. EODCs are designed to reduce unemployment, prevent wage theft, and create safer, well-organized alternatives to informal hiring sites where day laborers often face exploitation. By stabilizing employment and expanding access to dignified work, these centers strengthen both community safety and economic opportunity.
Local 1600, United Northwest Side, The People's 32nd, 33rd Ward Working Families, United Neighbors of the 35th Ward, Cook County Latino Democrats, Alderman Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, Alderman Anthony Quezada
I support strengthening and expanding Illinois’ ballot initiative process so that it is more accessible, more transparent, and more reflective of the will of everyday people—not special interests. Right now, the barriers to qualifying measures are extremely high, which limits direct democracy and keeps communities from advancing issues that matter to them. I would consider reforms such as lowering signature thresholds, extending the time allowed for signature collection, providing state-funded translation and accessibility support, and adding clearer pathways for citizen-initiated statutory changes (not just constitutional amendments). I also support stronger protections to ensure that ballot initiatives cannot be co-opted by corporate interests or used to undermine civil rights. Any changes should deepen democratic participation and give communities more tools to shape the policies that impact their lives.
I would champion legislation that strengthens our democracy by expanding access, representation, and participation for every Illinoisan. First, I support implementing ranked-choice voting statewide so elections better reflect the will of voters and reduce the influence of big money and spoiler dynamics. I also support publicly funded elections to ensure candidates are accountable to their communities—not wealthy donors—and to lower barriers for working-class people to run for office.
I believe Election Day should be a state holiday so every voter, especially low-wage workers, can participate without having to choose between their paycheck and their civic rights. Finally, while voting eligibility is governed by federal law, Illinois can and should create clear pathways for undocumented residents and other noncitizens to participate in civic life, such as serving on local advisory boards, participating in participatory budgeting, serving on school councils, and having structured input in policy-making that affects their daily lives. Strengthening civic participation for all residents—regardless of immigration status—builds a healthier, more representative democracy.
I believe Election Day should be a state holiday so every voter, especially low-wage workers, can participate without having to choose between their paycheck and their civic rights. Finally, while voting eligibility is governed by federal law, Illinois can and should create clear pathways for undocumented residents and other noncitizens to participate in civic life, such as serving on local advisory boards, participating in participatory budgeting, serving on school councils, and having structured input in policy-making that affects their daily lives. Strengthening civic participation for all residents—regardless of immigration status—builds a healthier, more representative democracy.
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.
Note: Alvelo-Rivera submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on February 6, 2026.
Campaign finance summary
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
Current members of the Illinois House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Emanuel Welch
Majority Leader:Robyn Gabel
Minority Leader:Tony McCombie
Representatives
District 1
Aaron Ortiz (D)
District 2
District 3
Eva-Dina Delgado (D)
District 4
Lilian Jiménez (D)
District 5
District 6
Sonya Harper (D)
District 7
Emanuel Welch (D)
District 8
La Shawn Ford (D)
District 9
Yolonda Morris (D)
District 10
District 11
Ann Williams (D)
District 12
Margaret Croke (D)
District 13
Hoan Huynh (D)
District 14
Kelly Cassidy (D)
District 15
Michael Kelly (D)
District 16
Kevin Olickal (D)
District 17
District 18
Robyn Gabel (D)
District 19
Lindsey LaPointe (D)
District 20
Brad Stephens (R)
District 21
District 22
District 23
Edgar Gonzalez (D)
District 24
Theresa Mah (D)
District 25
Curtis Tarver (D)
District 26
Kambium Buckner (D)
District 27
Justin Slaughter (D)
District 28
Robert Rita (D)
District 29
Thaddeus Jones (D)
District 30
William Davis (D)
District 31
Michael Crawford (D)
District 32
Lisa Davis (D)
District 33
Marcus Evans (D)
District 34
Nicholas Smith (D)
District 35
Mary Gill (D)
District 36
Rick Ryan (D)
District 37
Patrick Sheehan (R)
District 38
District 39
Will Guzzardi (D)
District 40
Jaime Andrade (D)
District 41
Janet Yang Rohr (D)
District 42
District 43
Anna Moeller (D)
District 44
Fred Crespo (D)
District 45
Martha Deuter (D)
District 46
District 47
Amy Grant (R)
District 48
District 49
Maura Hirschauer (D)
District 50
District 51
Nabeela Syed (D)
District 52
District 53
Nicolle Grasse (D)
District 54
Mary Beth Canty (D)
District 55
Justin Cochran (D)
District 56
Michelle Mussman (D)
District 57
Tracy Katz Muhl (D)
District 58
Bob Morgan (D)
District 59
Daniel Didech (D)
District 60
Rita Mayfield (D)
District 61
Joyce Mason (D)
District 62
Laura Dias (D)
District 63
Steven Reick (R)
District 64
Tom Weber (R)
District 65
Dan Ugaste (R)
District 66
Suzanne Ness (D)
District 67
Maurice West (D)
District 68
Dave Vella (D)
District 69
Joe Sosnowski (R)
District 70
Jeff Keicher (R)
District 71
Daniel Swanson (R)
District 72
Gregg Johnson (D)
District 73
Ryan Spain (R)
District 74
Brad Fritts (R)
District 75
Jed Davis (R)
District 76
Amy Briel (D)
District 77
Norma Hernandez (D)
District 78
Camille Lilly (D)
District 79
Jackie Haas (R)
District 80
Anthony DeLuca (D)
District 81
Anne Stava (D)
District 82
Nicole La Ha (R)
District 83
Matt Hanson (D)
District 84
District 85
Dagmara Avelar (D)
District 86
Lawrence Walsh (D)
District 87
Bill Hauter (R)
District 88
Regan Deering (R)
District 89
Tony McCombie (R)
District 90
John Cabello (R)
District 91
Sharon Chung (D)
District 92
District 93
Travis Weaver (R)
District 94
Norine Hammond (R)
District 95
Mike Coffey (R)
District 96
Sue Scherer (D)
District 97
Harry Benton (D)
District 98
Natalie Manley (D)
District 99
Kyle Moore (R)
District 100
C.D. Davidsmeyer (R)
District 101
Chris Miller (R)
District 102
Adam Niemerg (R)
District 103
Carol Ammons (D)
District 104
District 105
Dennis Tipsword (R)
District 106
Jason Bunting (R)
District 107
Brad Halbrook (R)
District 108
Wayne Rosenthal (R)
District 109
Charles Meier (R)
District 110
Blaine Wilhour (R)
District 111
Amy Elik (R)
District 112
Katie Stuart (D)
District 113
Jay Hoffman (D)
District 114
Kevin Schmidt (R)
District 115
David Friess (R)
District 116
Dave Severin (R)
District 117
District 118
Paul Jacobs (R)
Democratic Party (78)
Republican Party (40)
