Amaad Rivera-Wagner

Amaad Rivera-Wagner is an American community organizer and Democratic politician currently serving as a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing the 90th Assembly District. He was born on December 29, 1981, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Rivera-Wagner has a diverse background in public service, having previously held various roles in local government and community organizations. His political career has been marked by a commitment to progressive values and community engagement.

Early life and career

Amaad Rivera-Wagner was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he spent his formative years. He was raised in both Springfield and Chicopee, Massachusetts, and graduated from the Springfield High School of Science and Technology in 2000. From a young age, Rivera-Wagner demonstrated a keen interest in social issues and community affairs. While in middle school, he contributed articles to a youth section of the local newspaper, The Republican, addressing topics such as drug abuse, racism, and underage drinking. This early engagement with community issues laid the foundation for his future career in public service.

Following his high school graduation, Rivera-Wagner worked with the Holyoke Youth Commission, which allowed him to further develop his skills in community organization and advocacy. He later enrolled in AmeriCorps, a national service program that engages individuals in public service work. This experience provided him with valuable insights into the challenges faced by communities and the importance of civic engagement.

Rivera-Wagner's initial foray into politics occurred in 2009 when he ran for a seat on the City Council of Springfield. In the nonpartisan primary, he emerged as the top candidate but ultimately lost the general election to Keith W. Wright, a public school teacher. However, following Wright's resignation a year later, Rivera-Wagner was offered the position as the second-place finisher. His appointment was not without controversy, as questions arose regarding his residency and eligibility to serve. Despite these challenges, Rivera-Wagner successfully took office in January 2011.

During his brief tenure on the City Council, Rivera-Wagner became notable for being the first openly gay member of the council. His time in office was marked by challenges, including issues related to campaign finance compliance, which he ultimately resolved by filing late reports and paying a fine. Rather than seeking re-election in his district, Rivera-Wagner opted to pursue an at-large seat in the council, where he finished seventh in the city-wide election and concluded his term at the end of 2011.

After leaving the City Council, Rivera-Wagner transitioned to a role as a state policy advisor for U.S. Senator Ed Markey, where he continued to engage with legislative matters at a higher level.

Legislative service

In 2018, Rivera-Wagner sought to return to elected office by challenging incumbent Democratic state senator James T. Welch in a primary election. Running as a progressive candidate, he garnered support from various organizations, including the Springfield chapter of March for Our Lives, which had gained prominence following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Despite his efforts, Rivera-Wagner was unable to secure the nomination, losing to Welch, who received a significant majority of the vote.

Following this electoral setback, Rivera-Wagner relocated to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where he continued his work in community organization. He became involved with the progressive nonprofit Opportunity Wisconsin and emerged as a prominent figure in local protests following the murder of George Floyd. His activism during this period led to his appointment as a community liaison in the office of Green Bay's mayor, Eric Genrich.

In 2021, Rivera-Wagner was promoted to the position of chief of staff for Mayor Genrich, a role he held for three years. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the distribution of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and managing city resources for a significant real estate redevelopment project. His leadership during this time contributed to the revitalization of Green Bay's east side.

In 2022 and 2023, Rivera-Wagner played a crucial role in managing Mayor Genrich's successful re-election campaign, further solidifying his influence in local politics. He also served as co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force for the Greater Green Bay Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating his commitment to fostering inclusive practices within the community.

In early 2024, Rivera-Wagner announced his candidacy for the Wisconsin State Assembly after the incumbent representative for the 90th Assembly District, Kristina Shelton, decided not to seek re-election. His campaign was launched amid a new redistricting plan adopted by the Wisconsin Legislature, which followed a ruling by the Wisconsin Supreme Court that invalidated the previous district map.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, Rivera-Wagner represents the 90th Assembly District, which encompasses parts of Green Bay. His policy focus aligns with progressive values, emphasizing social justice, community engagement, and economic development. Rivera-Wagner's background in community organizing informs his approach to legislation, as he seeks to address the needs and concerns of his constituents.

His experience as chief of staff for the mayor has equipped him with a deep understanding of local governance and the challenges faced by urban communities. Rivera-Wagner's involvement in the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force highlights his commitment to promoting equity and representation within the legislative process.

Rivera-Wagner's legislative priorities are expected to reflect his dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents in his district. He aims to advocate for policies that support economic growth, education, and social services, while also addressing issues such as public safety and environmental sustainability.

As he continues his service in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Rivera-Wagner's background as a community organizer and his experiences in local government will likely shape his contributions to the legislative landscape, as he works to represent the interests of the people in the 90th Assembly District.