Credit: MayraForCongress (Facebook)
BLUFFTON, S.C. – Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, a Lowcountry advocate and proud daughter of Puerto Rican parents, announced her candidacy Tuesday for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.
Rivera-Vazquez said she is running because she believes the Lowcountry deserves a representative “who listens, who leads with compassion, and who fights for bold, transformative change – not just partisan soundbites.”
“This dream isn’t about one person — it’s about all of us,” Rivera-Vazquez said. “It’s about neighbors working side by side to create a better tomorrow for our families, our communities and our nation. By lending your face, your voice and your energy, you’ve helped share that vision with the world.”
“This is my home,” she said, referring to the district, where she has lived since 2013. “The Lowcountry is the heart of South Carolina, and we deserve better than the chaos and corruption of Trump and politicians who use us as a stepping stone in their political careers.”
Rivera-Vazquez’s vision of a “New American Dream” starts with an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top. With her background in infrastructure planning, she said she will protect the Lowcountry’s natural resources while preparing for “smart, sustainable growth.”
She said she believes Republican policies have made everyday essentials — child care, rent and groceries — too expensive. With that in mind, Rivera-Vazquez said she:
- will fight for real solutions to the housing crisis
- believes everyone deserves accessible and affordable health care
- wants every child to have access to a world-class education
- will advocate for strong borders and smart policies
Rivera-Vazquez was born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a juris doctorate from the University of Puerto Rico in San Juan. She also holds a master’s degree in international law and foreign trade from the Institute of Law and Economics in Madrid, Spain.
The public can follow Mayra’s campaign through her website, mayra4congress.com, and watch her launch video below: