A Democrat, he has represented District 33, covering the Bronx neighborhoods of Kingsbridge Heights, Kingsbridge, Fordham, University Heights, Van Nest, Tremont, East Tremont, and parts of Morrisania and Parkchester, in the New York State Senate since first being elected in 2010.

Rivera was born and raised in Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[4] He taught courses at Hunter College until 2002, and served as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Pace University until his first election in 2010.

[9] After a hard fought campaign, Rivera ultimately defeated Espada in the Democratic primary.

[12] With the Democrats retaking the majority in 2018, Rivera was named Chair of the Senate Health Committee.