Q&A with Alyssa Nia Williams, candidate for District 15 seat in Georgia Senate
Editor’s note: This is one of the Ledger-Enquirer Q&As with candidates running in the Georgia Senate District 15 Democratic primary. Early voting for the Georgia primary begins April 27, and election day is May 19.
Georgia state Sen. Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) announced last month he isn’t seeking reelection to the District 15 seat. His son, public policy specialist Edward D. Harbison, state Rep. Teddy Reese (D-Columbus) of Georgia House District 140 and community organizer Alyssa Nia Williams are running in the Democratic primary for the District 15 seat. Only one Republican candidate is running for that seat: Charles Herbert Hand III.
District 15 comprises most of Muscogee County and all of six other counties: Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor.
Here is the Ledger-Enquirer’s emailed interview with Williams:
Why are you running for this position?
“I’m running because this community poured into me and helped shape who I am. District 15 is entering a new chapter, and I believe leadership should be connected to the people and reflect the communities it serves.
“I want to make sure every part of the district is heard and supported, especially communities that have felt overlooked.
“For me, this campaign is about standing for what is right and working alongside residents across every county to move our district forward, because where you live should not determine your quality of life.”
Why should District 15 residents vote for you?
“People should vote for me because I’m committed to serving this community with honesty, integrity and a real connection to the people. I understand firsthand how policies, or the lack thereof, impact everyday life because I’ve lived, worked and advocated in this community.
“With rural roots and growing up in Columbus, I understand both the unique challenges and opportunities across the entire district. This campaign is personal to me. I’m focused on making sure voices across District 15 are heard and that leadership is grounded in service, accessibility,and improving quality of life for all communities, because where you live should not determine your quality of life.
“If you’ve ever questioned why you don’t have the same resources and opportunities in your area, it’s time to change that. A vote for me is a vote for all of us and for a better quality of life across District 15.”
What is the most significant problem you want to address, and what will be your solution if elected?
“The people of District 15 have shared concerns about affordable housing in livable conditions, access to adequate healthcare, good public education and economic opportunity.
“However, one of the most significant issues I’ve heard consistently is the backlog and delay in court cases and case dispositions. Too many individuals and families are left waiting extended periods of time for resolution, which creates uncertainty and instability and can impact housing, employment and overall financial security.
“I would work toward policies that improve efficiency, accountability and timelines within the court system, such as setting clear expectations for how long cases should take, increasing resources in courts that are understaffed and improving coordination between courts, clerks and related agencies to reduce unnecessary delays, so people aren’t left waiting without answers.
“This would also help reduce the need for individuals to repeatedly appear in court without resolution, which can lead to increased court costs and added financial strain on families who are already navigating difficult situations.
“Justice should be fair, but it should also be timely. Justice delayed should not become justice denied.”
What is your occupational and educational background?
“I have a background in business, legal administration and advocacy. I hold a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
“My professional experience spans the healthcare, legal, veteran disability assistance and government sectors, where I’ve worked in roles involving operations, administration and legal processes.
“These experiences have given me a strong understanding of how systems function and how policies impact individuals, families and businesses in real and often immediate ways.
“Through this work, I’ve seen firsthand how gaps in systems can affect access to care, justice and opportunity.
“That experience, combined with my lived experiences and community involvement, has shaped how I approach problem-solving and serving people, and prepared me to step into this role with a practical, informed and people-centered perspective.”
What is your community involvement and history of leadership roles?
“I have been actively involved in the community through advocacy, volunteer work, and leadership roles focused on education, youth and community development.
“I helped cofound a nonprofit organization that focused on addressing violence in the community and mentoring young girls, and I’ve continued to serve in roles that support families, individuals and small businesses across the community.
“My involvement has included serving on nonprofit boards, organizing community programs and town halls, facilitating workforce development and job readiness workshops, and speaking at city council and school board meetings to advocate for parents, students and working families.
“I’ve also worked directly with individuals navigating the court system, healthcare services and government programs, which has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges people face and how to better serve them.
“Much of my work has been done behind the scenes, focused on impact rather than recognition. Service has always been at the center of my involvement, and that commitment is what led me to step forward and run.”
What else should the L-E’s readers know about your campaign?
“I grew up in a single-parent home, earned my GED, and became a wife and mother at a young age, and those experiences taught me the value of hard work, resilience and the importance of having a strong village.
“District 15 has been that village for me; from my mom, my family, to neighbors, church family, teachers and mentors. It shaped who I am, and I don’t take lightly the opportunity to serve it. District 15 has something to say, and this campaign is about making sure those voices are heard.
“This campaign is about not waiting for permission to serve our community. It’s about true representation; leadership that is genuinely connected to the people and committed to improving the quality of life across the entire district, because those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions.
“A vote for me is a vote for all of us and for a better quality of life across District 15. This seat belongs to the people, and it should not be defined by the status quo. It should reflect the people’s voices, their needs and their future.”
