Mayra Rivera-Vázquez
(Dem)
Biographical Information
Campaign Phone
843-949-0123
Campaign Twitter Handle
Qualifications
I am qualified to serve in Congress because my education, experience, and service have prepared me to lead. I hold degrees in economics and law, with graduate training in international law, foreign trade, and international relations. I have worked as a community organizer, nonprofit advisor, and immigration law advocate, helping families and fighting for fairness. As the first Latina elected Second Vice Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, I built coalitions and organized communities of color into the political process. In the Lowcountry, I have volunteered with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Hopeful Horizons, strengthening families and communities. I am ready to serve South Carolina’s 1st District in Congress.
Education
Bachelor’s Degree in Economics — strong foundation in economic policy, affordability, labor markets, and fiscal issues affecting families. Juris Doctor (Law Degree) — legal training in constitutional law, civil rights, public policy, and advocacy. Master’s Degree in International Law / Foreign Trade / International Relations — advanced study in global economics, trade, diplomacy, and international policy relevant to ports, commerce, national security, and South Carolina’s growing economy.
What will you do to ensure quality healthcare at an affordable cost for all?
Healthcare is a human right, not a privilege. I support universal coverage through a Medicare for All approach that guarantees every American access to quality, affordable care. In Congress, I will fight to lower prescription drug costs, expand mental health services, protect rural hospitals, and invest in community health centers so access does not depend on zip code. I will also defend reproductive healthcare, including contraception, prenatal care, IVF, and abortion access, because medical decisions belong to patients and doctors—not politicians. Every family in South Carolina deserves the security of knowing they can get the care they need without fear of financial ruin.
What steps should be taken to update immigration and border policy and laws?
I will fight for comprehensive, humane immigration reform that provides a clear and achievable pathway to citizenship for long-term undocumented residents, protects Dreamers and TPS holders, and strengthens our legal immigration system. In South Carolina and across the Lowcountry, immigrant families are small business owners, healthcare workers, construction workers, hospitality employees, and military families. They contribute to our economy, pay taxes, and are part of the fabric of our communities. We need smart border security, faster legal processing, and immigration laws that reflect both order and dignity. America is strongest when we uphold our values, keep families together, and create a fair system rooted in opportunity, security,
How would you support secure, accessible voting for all citizens in the United States?
I support voting systems that are secure, fair, and accessible to every eligible citizen. That means protecting elections through strong cybersecurity, paper ballot backups, transparent audits, and safeguards against interference. It also means expanding early voting, secure absentee voting, accessible polling places, language assistance, and fair voter registration. We must also end racial gerrymandering and voter suppression practices that dilute the voices of communities of color or create barriers to participation. Every American, regardless of race, income, disability, language, or zip code, deserves equal access to the ballot box. Our democracy is strongest when every eligible voice can be heard, and every vote is counted fairly.
What do you believe Congress’ role is in ensuring the balance of power among the three branches of government?
Congress has a constitutional duty to serve as a co-equal branch of government and protect the balance of power through oversight, accountability, and lawmaking. That means Congress must act as a check on executive overreach, defend the independence of the judiciary, and ensure that no branch operates above the law. It must exercise strong oversight, protect voting rights and civil liberties, and uphold the Constitution, not partisan interests. Our democracy depends on leaders willing to defend institutions, respect checks and balances, and put country over politics. A healthy democracy requires all three branches to function independently, responsibly, and in service to the American people.