Nikki Rivera is a Democratic state representative who has represented Pennsylvania House District 96 in Lancaster County since December 2024 and is seeking re-election on November 3, 2026. A longtime high school Spanish teacher and former school board president, she faces Republican Babita Rusyn.[1][2]
Nikki Rivera graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1994 and earned her teacher certification at Shippensburg University, according to her answers in a Ballotpedia survey.[3] Her official biography says she has taught high school Spanish in the Warwick School District for 30 years, where she also advised the GSA club and the Spanish Honor Society and served on a student assistance program team.[1] She has lived in Manheim Township since 1995 with her husband, Ramón, and they have five children.[1]
Rivera served on the Manheim Township School Board from July 2016 through November 2024, including as board president in 2017 to 2021 and 2023 to 2024.[1] She was also a member of the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 board from 2018 to 2024 and its vice president from 2019 to 2024.[1] Ballotpedia lists her as having assumed office in the state House on December 1, 2024.[2] Her official page lists committee assignments on Aging and Older Adult Services, Communications and Technology, Human Services, Professional Licensure, and Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development.[1]
Rivera's stated legislative goals include a fair public school funding system, a living wage and apprenticeship programs, accessible health care including reproductive freedom, and protection of parks and farmland.[1] In a 2024 Ballotpedia survey, she named strong public education, strong unions and workforce, and affordable health care options among her key campaign messages.[3]
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.