Councilmember Jess Rivas to Host Campaign Kickoff Event

Pasadena City Councilmember Jessica Rivas announced on Thursday that she will run for the seat she was appointed to in the June election.

In February, Rivas was appointed by unanimous vote of the council to fill the District 5 seat vacated by Victor Gordo after he was elected mayor. 

Rivas will launch her campaign on Saturday, Sept. 18, during a small outdoor garden reception. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event is invitation only and safety guidelines will be followed.  

Since being appointed, Rivas has championed such issues of affordable housing and public safety, and she has prioritized being responsive and accessible to residents.

During the event, Rivas plans to share early details about her candidacy and campaign.

“I have spent my career dedicated to serving our communities. As a working parent, I understand the challenges that so many Pasadena families are facing, and I’m committed to working tirelessly to get things done for our neighborhoods,” Rivas said. “Together, we can make Pasadena work for everyone.” 

Rivas, who has spent her career in public service, previously served as a deputy attorney general with the California Department of Justice and is currently a deputy county counsel with the County of Los Angeles. Formerly a major in the U.S. Army Reserve, Rivas served on both the city’s Northwest Commission and the Commission on the Status of Women. 

Rivas has also served on the board of the Washington Square Neighborhood Association. 

Rivas graduated from Princeton University and New York University School of Law. Rivas, her husband and daughter have been residents of their Washington Square neighborhood for five years.