Jessica 'Jess' Rivera, a Democrat of Mexican and Irish descent and a Marine Corps veteran, won the race for the District 4 of the state Senate, according to unofficial results from the National Council of State Elections Bureau (NCSBE).
Her arrival in January 2027 would mark a milestone for Latino representation, according to the organization. Run for Somethingwho endorsed her candidacy. She would be the first Latina woman to hold a seat in the state Senate.
“You entrusted me with your vote, and I will not let you down. At 17, I swore an oath to serve my country. Now I will have the opportunity to swear an oath to serve my community,” Rivera said in a victory statement posted on Facebook.
Rivera obtained 37,539 votes compared to 35,962 for Republican Buck Newton, an advantage of 1,577 votes, with 100% of the votes reported and awaiting certification.
District 4 comprises Greene, Wayne, and Wilson counties in the eastern part of the state.
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The Democrat ousted Newton, a legislator with five terms in the Senate and responsibilities on key legislative committees.
During the 2025-2026 session, Newton is listed as chairman of the Finance, Judicial and Budgetary Appropriations for Justice and Public Safety committees, among others.
In his message, Rivera stated that he will arrive at the General Assembly committed to reducing household expenses, funding schools, repairing roads, and expanding access to healthcare. He also promised to represent all residents of the district, regardless of how they voted. “Tonight we celebrate. Tomorrow we get to work,” he affirmed.
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