For the past two years, immigrant communities have lived in fear of the Trump administration’s secret police known as ICE. Unprecedented numbers of immigrants, along with U.S. citizens, were snatched off the streets by ICE and sent to prison camps to be deported, many of them to third world countries which they didn’t have any connection to. While the frequency of their mayhem has slowed down, deportation without due process remains a fear for many in this country today.

Karen Alzate (she/her/ella), grew up in the United States under that shadow, so this issue is not new, it has just been dialed up. While in high school, Karen’s Colombian father was detained for eight months before being released. Then six years later, he was deported. Today, as a Rhode Island Representative, Karen stands up for the rights of immigrants to ensure they are treated humanely and with dignity. In the State House, she was a lead sponsor of the Millionaires Tax, and she has led legislation on women’s health, particularly menopause, going so far as to appear on The Real Housewives of Rhode Island to discuss menopause legislation.

Where are you based?
I live in Rhode Island.

What is your position/what position are you running for?
I’m currently a state rep and running for re-election. My 5th term, 8 years.

What inspired you to run?
I was asked to run. I wanted to get involved. My dad was deported in 2012, and i wanted to share my story with so many people who I know are facing the same issue.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
To elect more women of color, especially Latinas. I really wish more would get involved and run for all levels of government. We need new ideas and new people, it’s the only way we will create real change.

How long have you been in office? What do you consider to be your major accomplishments so far?
I’ve been in office for eight years. My biggest accomplishment might have been passing the millionaires tax. But I have so many, like passing drivers licenses for undocumented.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
Economic development. Learning that we need to bring in more businesses at all levels, small mom and pops to corporations — i think we have an opportunity to govern different that really benefits everyone. Providing tax breaks to big corps isn’t always a bad thing, but we do have to hold them accountable when they provide real jobs that pay well and uplift the community they are in. I want to have those conversations, where we push people to think outside the box of the norm, and get rid of “this is how we have always done it”.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
I think about working with someone who had different views than me and working together without compromising our values or morals or the essence the work. Compromise isn’t a bad thing, I believe that it’s when we let our emotions take over that’s when we see the divide.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I think I’ve shown that I’m not afraid to work with others, I bring others with me and I’m always happy to educate those who are to afraid to get “attacked” just for asking questions. I can not hide or change the fact that I am a women, a Latina, and that I lead with my family always in mind. I believe that makes me unique because I make choices that still allow me to sleep at night.

What is your motto in life?
Sin miedo (no fear). My mom always tells me I can do everything and to not have fear, and to do it even if I am afraid.

Where can we find out more about you?
Karenalzate.com and Facebook.

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Karen Alzate, Rhode Island House of Representatives District 60