RIVERA RECEIVES IMPORTANT DEMOCRATIC ENDORSEMENT
Democratic ANC Commissioner and Former D.C. Attorney General Candidate Endorses Republican Manuel Rivera, Who Pledges to Build Bridges Across Party Lines and Between the White House and D.C. Government WASHINGTON, D.C. — Manuel Rivera, Esq., Republican candidate for Attorney General of the District of Columbia, and an immigration lawyer, announced that he has received the endorsement of John Paul Scymkowicz, Foxhall Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and former Democratic candidate for D.C. Attorney General. The endorsement comes as Rivera continues reaching out to Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and community leaders ahead of the November 3, 2026, general election. Rivera described the endorsement as an important example of cooperation across political party lines and a reflection of his commitment to bringing people together despite their political differences. “We may belong to different political parties, but we share the same city and the same responsibility to protect its residents. Public safety, transparency, and accountability should never be partisan issues,” Rivera said. “A Democrat endorsing a Republican candidate for Attorney General sends an important message: We do not have to agree on everything to work together for the people of Washington, D.C. Political differences should not become barriers to cooperation.” Rivera stated that his campaign has focused on reaching residents from across the political spectrum, listening to their concerns, and identifying issues on which people can find common ground. “The Attorney General is not the attorney for Democrats, Republicans, or Independents. The Attorney General serves the people of the District of Columbia. Every resident deserves equal treatment, equal protection under the law, and a government willing to listen.”
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., has a unique relationship with the federal government. Rivera believes that maintaining constructive communication between the Office of the Attorney General and the White House is essential, regardless of which political party controls the presidency. “As Attorney General, I will build bridges between the White House and the Office of the Attorney General, regardless of who is President of the United States.” Rivera explained that cooperation with the federal government does not mean surrendering the independence of the Office of the Attorney General or compromising its legal responsibilities. Rather, it means recognizing that the District and the federal government share important responsibilities that require communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to work together. “The White House should not automatically be viewed as an adversary simply because the President belongs to a different political party.” Rivera added that political disagreements should never prevent government officials from working together when the safety and well-being of District residents are at stake. AN ENDORSEMENT THAT TRANSCENDS PARTY AFFILIATION Rivera expressed his appreciation for Scymkowicz’s endorsement and his willingness to support a candidate from a different political party. He described the endorsement as an example of the independent judgment that voters and community leaders can exercise when evaluating candidates for public office. “My door will be open. I will listen to everyone, work with everyone, and build bridges wherever cooperation can advance the interests of the people of Washington, D.C.” Rivera is an attorney with nearly four decades of legal experience, he has represented clients in federal and local courts in matters involving immigration, criminal defense, civil litigation, and other areas of law.