Capitol Weekly’s Top 100: Rick Rivas

14. Rick Rivas

The younger brother of Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Rick Rivas is widely regarded as the power behind the throne in the lower house. While Rick draws a salary as a vice president with the American Beverage Association, he has his considerable clout because he is the Speaker’s closest confidant, weighing in on a bevy of interests that have absolutely nothing to do with drinks or his role with the association. Rick masterminded the historic takeover – or coup – that pushed former Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon out of office and led to his older brother’s rise to power. Rick appears nowhere on the Assembly’s org chart, but we are told, he is involved in every major action the Speaker takes, if not actively pulling the strings behind the scenes. As one person close to the Speaker’s office put it: “Rick has his ear to the ground on everything happening in Sacramento, and his knowledge of campaigns is unmatched.”

Updated Aug. 7, 2024