GA-05: Nikema Williams (D)
PROFILE
About Williams:
Georgia State Senator Nikema Williams has been a fearless advocate for women and families throughout her life. Since her election to represent Georgia’s 39th Senate District, she has led the charge to improve her community and fight for the values of her constituents.
She has spent her time at the State Legislature fighting for working families, voting rights, fair representation and public education. These values are reflected in her work as a member of the influential Economic Development and Tourism, Retirement, MARTOC, State and Local Government Operations, Urban Affairs, and Special Judiciary committees.
As the first Black woman chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, she has led the fight statewide to expand access to opportunity for Georgians. Sen. Williams plays a key role in the National Democratic Party as a member of the Executive and Resolution Committees of the Democratic National Committee.
Williams commitment to Georgians is also reflected in her arduous fight for free and fair elections. From speaking out against voter suppression, to ensuring that every individual’s vote is counted, Williams will not stop until everyone’s voice is heard. In November of 2018 Williams was arrested at the state capital as she stood by her constituents to elevate their demands that every vote be counted following the midterm elections.
Her passion for protecting women’s rights and access to healthcare led Williams to Planned Parenthood Southeast where she served as vice-president of Public Policy for 10 years. She serves as deputy director of Civic Engagement at National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and deputy executive director at Care in Action, the advocacy and political arm of NDWA.
She was born in Columbus and raised by her grandparents across the Chattahoochee River in Smiths Station, Ala. She attended Talladega College–a liberal arts Historically Black College in Talladega, Ala. Williams and her husband, Leslie Small, reside in Atlanta with their son, Carter, and two rescue Yorkshire Terriers, Ginger and Belle.
