Jacqueline Rivera has announced her candidacy for a Lehigh County commissioner-at-large seat.

“My husband and I have been together for 21 years, married for six,” Rivera says. “We own a home in West Bethlehem. We have two amazing children who we had at a young age but are so proud of who they are growing up to be.

“My son Tyriek is in his first year of college at West Chester University.”

The candidate graduated from Dieruff High School in 2003 and attended Lehigh Carbon Community College for business administration.

Rivera says for 15 years her work experience has been in finance and management.

“I am currently working at Olympus America Inc. as a senior accounts receivable administrator. I have been working there for seven years,” Rivera said. “I am the secretary of our Lehigh County Republican Committee.

“I am an active member at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Church. I have coached youth basketball for nine years.

“I am very passionate about making a difference to our youth.”

Rivera ran for Lehigh County commissioner in 2021 for District 3.

“I went into that race knowing it would be an uphill battle because of the high numbers in Democrat registration,” Rivera said. “I was proud of the hard work and effort put into that race garnering 40 percent of the votes.

“I would like to continue the fight this year for commissioner-at-large, as my ties to the community and passion to always do what is right regardless of what is popular is needed in today’s politics and our county government.”

Rivera says as a county resident of 30 years, she wants to ensure Lehigh County remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.

“I want to be a part of the sensible solutions being made that are in the best interests of all Lehigh County residents,” she said. “As my kids grow older, I now have more time to give back to my community and I would like to make a difference.

“I want to fight for the future of all our families. I want to lead by example of what people would like to see in their elected officials which is honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability.”

Rivera says before 2020, she was only behind-the-scenes in politics and never thought she would ever run for office, but she saw that people from the community are the best to represent the community.

“I do not want to be a politician, but want the opportunity to serve everyone in Lehigh County,” Rivera said.

“My priorities will be to reduce unnecessary government spending, protect small businesses, our farmers, and seniors.

“These reasons are why I am running for Lehigh County commissioner-at-large.”