U . S . Congresswoman
Nikema Williams
Georgia ’ s 5th Congressional District
United States Congresswoman Nikema Williams replaced an icon when she was elected to the seat formerly held by the late Congressman John Lewis following his death . She is the first Black woman to represent Georgia ’ s 5th Congressional District and the first to lead the Democratic Party of Georgia . She has been a fierce advocate for social justice , women and families throughout her political and professional careers .
As a Member of Congress , Congresswoman Williams continues to uplift the legacy of her mentor and predecessor , Congressman John Lewis , by fighting to prevent voter suppression and expand free and fair access to the ballot box . She always centers the voices of those who are most marginalized . She brings this concern to Congress having seen firsthand how women and people of color continue to fight for racial and social justice in our country .
Congresswoman Williams was elected as the Freshman Class President for the 117th Congress . As President , she organizes and advances the interests of her Freshmen Democratic colleagues to fulfill their oath to work for the people . She currently sits on the Financial Services Committee , where she is vice chair of the Subcommittee on Investigations & Oversight , and on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee . Congresswoman Williams is also a member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress . She has membership in several caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus , Democratic Women ’ s Caucus , Congressional Progressive Caucus , Voting Rights Caucus , LBGTQ + Equality Caucus and the HBCU Caucus .
Congresswoman Williams has a passion for a number of legislative issues including voting rights , reproductive justice , social justice , economic justice and healthcare — her work addresses delivering on the promise of America for all .
Congresswoman Williams has a history of advancing the issues that matter to Georgians and underserved people across the country , regardless of their bank account or ZIP code . Before her congressional service , Congresswoman Williams served in the Georgia State Senate . As a State Senator , Williams got in the “ Good Trouble ” Congressman Lewis spoke about . In the wake of the disastrous 2018 Georgia elections , marked with rampant voter suppression , she was arrested at the Georgia State Capitol while peacefully protesting with her constituents , demanding that every vote be counted .
Congresswoman Williams was born in Columbus , GA and raised by her grandparents in Smiths Station , Alabama . She attended Talladega College – a liberal arts Historically Black College ( HBCU ) in Talladega , Alabama – where she was initiated into Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority , Incorporated .
Congresswoman Williams has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend magazine ’ s 100 Most Influential Georgians , Forty under Forty , Power 30 Under 30 , Outstanding Atlanta , and Who ’ s Who in Black Atlanta . As State Senator , she received the Freshman Legislator of the Year award from the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and the 2020 Pinnacle Leadership Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority . Recently , she was awarded the ACLU of Georgia ’ s Dare to Create – Liberty Award .
Congresswoman Williams and her husband , Leslie Small , reside in Atlanta with their son , Carter .