The Gist
Attorney General
Photo of Manuel Rivera
Manuel RiveraRepublican Party of the District of Columbia

Manuel Rivera

Candidate for Attorney General

Republican

Background

Occupation
Attorney

Puerto Rico-born attorney who founded his own law firm, practicing immigration, workers' rights and family law; he was a Democrat until the 2024 presidential election and once ran unsuccessfully for the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

Report

Photo: Republican Party of the District of Columbia

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

Public safety

  • Pledges to focus on juvenile crime, homelessness, addiction, domestic violence.

    Meet the candidates running for D.C. Attorney General

    Candidate questionnaire · 7News (WJLA) · Jun 12, 2026 · wjla.com

    “juvenile crime, homelessness, drug addiction, family domestic violence in the city. Those are my top priorities in the city”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Proposes referring major lawsuits to private law firms.

    He said the District would receive income from such referrals, as a private office does when it refers a case.

    Meet the candidates running for D.C. Attorney General

    Candidate questionnaire · 7News (WJLA) · Jun 12, 2026 · wjla.com

    “I think we can use private law firms to do those types of lawsuits”
    Report
  • Opposes filing lawsuits that settle for pennies on the dollar.

    His criticism of incumbent Attorney General Brian Schwalb, as quoted by The Washington Sun.

    What's the Point of Running as a Republican in D.C.?

    News coverage · The Washington Sun (Martin Austermuhle) · Sep 11, 2026 · washingtonsun.com

    “filing a lot of flashy lawsuits and some of them are settling for pennies on the dollar”
    Report
  • Supports a better working relationship with the federal government.

    He told 7News: "We're not at war with the federal government."

    What's the Point of Running as a Republican in D.C.?

    News coverage · The Washington Sun (Martin Austermuhle) · Sep 11, 2026 · washingtonsun.com

    “We should have a better relationship with the federal government and White House”
    Report
  • Supports more party competition in D.C. elections.

    What's the Point of Running as a Republican in D.C.?

    News coverage · The Washington Sun (Martin Austermuhle) · Sep 11, 2026 · washingtonsun.com

    “I believe democracy works best when voters have a real choice. Somebody must be willing to challenge that status quo.”
    Report

Courts & justice

  • Supports tracking whether lawsuit settlement money reaches victims.

    Meet the candidates running for D.C. Attorney General

    Candidate questionnaire · 7News (WJLA) · Jun 12, 2026 · wjla.com

    “Under the current regime, there's no accountability to show that the victims are receiving those benefits.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Manuel Rivera on them.

  • HousingNo documented position found.
  • Economy & jobsNo documented position found.
  • Environment & parksNo documented position found.

All sources (5)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.