Nikki Rivera

Nikki Rivera was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She earned a high school diploma from the Carlisle Area School District and a bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994. She earned her teaching certificate from Shippensburg University in 1995. Her career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

Nikki Rivera has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Send a message to Nikki Rivera asking her to fill out the survey.

If you are Nikki Rivera, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Nikki Rivera to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing info@nikkiriveraforpa.com.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a mom of five kids ranging in age from 28 to 17.

I am a public high school Spanish teacher in my 30th year of teaching.

I am a 1994 Pitt graduate.

I earned my teacher certification from Shippensburg University, 1994-95.

I am the board president of Manheim Township School Board.

I am the board vice-president of the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13.

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?

Strong Public Education:

Fairly funded and equitable schooling experiences for kids all across the commonwealth

Rigorous and varied paths to graduation, resulting in meaningful choices in careers

Making school feel like home - a place to learn, grow, make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward with self-respect, dignity, and valueStrong Unions and Workforce:

A living wage that pays the monthly bills with one job

Apprenticeships that help organizations grow their next generation of workers, whether it’s in business and industry, education, or healthcare

Means to not only pay the bills, but also to save for the futureA three-way tie:

Efficient and Effective Physical and Mental Healthcare Options:

Reproductive freedom

Easy-to-understand and inclusive insurance plans

Manageable out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits and prescriptions

Strong Environmental Health

Education for our youth and families about recycling needs and reducing waste

Clean air and water in our community

Preserving our parks and farmlands

Marginalization is a thing of the past

House District 96, the Commonwealth of PA, and the United States of America are for ALL people who seek to build a life here. I will do my very best to bring everyone into the mix and give everyone a voice. I will represent ALL of my constituents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

*Fairly funded public education throughout the Commonwealth

Increasing the housing supply and at affordable prices

Improving wages that keep up with the cost of living and allow for future savings

Helping folks navigate the Office of the Aging and supporting families who take care of elder family members.

Affordable prescription drugs and healthcare

Improved and increased mental healthcare

I'm passionate about a lot of public policy areas!

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My experiences as a high school Spanish teacher since 1995, a mom of 5 kids (ages 17-28) with Ramón, my husband, a school board director and president, and the LL-IU13 board vice president have prepared me for the next level of advocacy: PA State House Rep for HD96.

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

My first job was as a waitress at the Bellaire House Restaurant in Carlisle, PA, when I was 14 years old. Later in high school, I worked at Dickinson College in food service, where I continued to work during holidays and breaks when I was home from the University of Pittsburgh. During my years at Pitt, I often worked several part-time jobs to cover my living expenses.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein has always spoken to me. We all have so much to offer others and we rely on each other as we navigate a fulfilling life.

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

Watching people suffer or be mistreated, knowing that it's senseless and unnecessary. There's so much kindness to be taught and learned. Everyone deserves it.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Pennsylvania faces many challenges over the next decade. Of great importance is attaining the status of constitutionality regarding the amount of state funding and fairness of funding for PA public schools. Also, PA must increase the number of professionals in education, healthcare, the trades, and other careers where shortages cause detriment to customers, students, and patients.

PA must reduce the red tape that impedes affordable home building in a timely fashion and for reasonable costs. Our housing shortage gap must improve as soon as possible. Taking steps to improve our air, water, waste, and carbon footprint while responsibly developing for the future rank high on the PA needs list.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Experience in government or politics is helpful for a candidate who seeks a seat beyond the municipal realm. The lessons I've learned as a school board director since 2016 (appointed in 2016, elected in 2017, school board president from 2017-2021, elected in 2021, school board president from 2023-present) have prepared me for the opportunities that lie ahead, such as collaboration, negotiation, compromise, innovative ideas, creative solutions, advocacy, and perseverance. In addition, I believe in studying the seat of choice. I attended school board meetings years before my first run in 2015. Likewise, I began studying the PA State House Rep seat in 2023 for a potential 2026 run. Fortunately, I have a year of study to lean on as I jump into this year's race as the Lancaster County Democratic Party nominee to replace Rep. Mike Sturla on the ballot on November 5.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I see a lot of ways in which my skillset as a high school Spanish teacher in my 30th year transfers well into becoming a State legislator and advocating for the constituents in House District 96. While canvassing, I met a resident who is registered to vote, but is intimidated by the process of actually voting. She and I made arrangements to meet on election day, walk to her polling place, and I'll explain the system of voting to her as we go. Nobody is alone in any situation and, once we learn how to do something, we can effectively do it the rest of our lives. I'm happy to continue to teach and advocate for people, even as a candidate and eventually as the State Rep for HD96.

Tell us your favorite joke.

¿Cuál es la fruta más cómica? La naranja-ja-ja

(What is the funniest joke? The orange ha-ha-ha) - It's funny in Spanish, but not in English!

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

PSEA, Represent PA, RPAC, IBEW#743, LCDC, Planned Parenthood, Rep. Mike Sturla (HD96), Rep. Izzy Smith Wade-El (HD49), Lancaster Epic

What committees interest you?

Education, Transportation, and a plethora of others.