Karen Alzate is a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing District 60 . Born on December 26, 1987, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, she is a first-generation American who was first elected in November 2018 and sworn in on January 1, 2019.

Notable achievements include chairing the House Special Legislation Committee, serving as second vice chair of the House Labor Committee, and being a member of the House Finance Committee and House Municipal Government and Housing Committee. She previously chaired the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus . Key legislative successes: her payday lending ban became law in 2025 , eliminating high-interest loans; a 2025 law providing menopause workplace protections, making Rhode Island the first state; and efforts to encourage people of color in education, reproductive privacy, and housing conversions.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Tolman High School ; Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Rhode Island College ; Master's degree in Community Development from Roger Williams University . Participated in New Leaders Council , Latina Leadership Institute , Leadership Rhode Island , Harvard Kennedy School , and Transatlantic Inclusive Leaders Network .

• Political Experience: Appointed to House Health, Education and Welfare; Labor; and Special Legislation Committees upon entering office. Introduced bills on education diversity , primary election dates, driver privilege cards for undocumented residents, income surtaxes, and Medicare eligibility expansion.