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NH

Nikema

Williams

Democrat
GA
-5
Atlanta, East Point, Forest Park
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Nikema Williams

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Personal Background

Birthdate

7/30/78 (42)

Race/Ethnicity

African American/Black

Gender Identification

F
Twitter

@NikemaWilliams

Religion

Methodist

Family

Married, 1 child

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

B.A., Talladega College; Women’s Campaign School, Yale University

KEY HEALTH LINK

Williams is a COVID-19 survivor. She served as Vice President of Plan

Political/Professional Background

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

Georgia State Senator (39th district), 2017-2021; Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party

2020 ELECTION CONTEXT

Following Rep. John Lewis’s death in July 2020, Williams was selected by the Georgia Democratic Party’s executive committee to take his place on the ballot in the November election. On December 1st, there will be a special election to serve the remainder of the term for the 116th Congress between Robert Michael Franklin Jr. (D) and Kwanza Hall (D). Williams will succeed the winner in January 2021.

INCUMBENT REPLACED

Williams will serve in the seat vacated by John Lewis (D), who passed away during the 116th Congress.

MOST RECENT PROFESSION

Georgia State Senator (39th district)

POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY

Williams served as southeastern public policy vice-president at Planned Parenthood. In 2011, she was elected as the first vice chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. She served as the interim chair of the party in 2013, following Mike Berlon’s resignation.[2]In 2017, Williams won a special election to serve as a Georgia state senator, where she served on the Economic Development and Tourism, Retirement, Special Judiciary, State and Local Government Operations, Urban Affairs and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committees.

On The Issues

COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Williams was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March 2020. Williams was critical of President Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, saying, “Americans have done their part to fight COVID-19; our politicians need to do their job.”

HEALTH COVERAGE

Williams is a strong supporter of government health care and supports Medicare for All.

MARIJUANA

Williams supports the legalization of recreational marijuana.

MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION

No Info

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

No Data

VETERANS HEALTH CARE

No Data

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Williams is pro-choice. She was the vice president of Planned Parenthood Southeast from 2007-2018. She has been endorsed by EMILY’s List, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund and NARAL Pro-Choice America.

OTHER HEALTH CARE ISSUES

Williams supports “universal family care” that would include federal support for child care, paid leave and long-term care. Williams sponsored an unsuccessful bill in the Georgia Senate to mandate continued Medicaid coverage for any mother who was on Medicaid at birth for at least 12 months.

DID YOU KNOW?

Nikema Williams’ husband calls her “the Lorax”—the Dr. Seuss character who defends trees against logging—because he says she’s willing to speak up for whoever needs it, especially those who have been marginalized. Williams has called herself “a student of the John Lewis school of politics” who has “practiced the art of getting into ‘good trouble.'” Williams’ family also has two rescue Yorkshire Terriers, Ginger and Belle.