Following the Passing of Rep. John Lewis, Nikema Williams Will Continue His Critical Work in Congress

Washington — Following the loss of civil rights icon and Georgia Congressman John Lewis, Planned Parenthood Action Fund is proud to congratulate Nikema Williams on her appointment as the Democratic nominee for Georgia’s 5th congressional district. Williams, who is the first Black woman elected to lead the Georgia Democratic Party and is a current member of the Georgia State Senate, spent almost eight years as vice president of public policy for Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates. If elected, she would join a growing contingent of former Planned Parenthood staff in Congress, including Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota, who previously served as vice president of public affairs at Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Rep. Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico, who formerly worked for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“With the passing of Rep. John Lewis, our nation and our movement have lost a civil rights hero and champion for freedom and justice. Nikema Williams, a lifelong activist, health care advocate, and passionate defender of women’s rights, will surely carry on his legacy in Georgia’s 5th District and beyond. From her time at Planned Parenthood Southeast and Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates to her remarkable career as a State Senator and the Chair of the Georgia Democratic Party and current position as Deputy Director of Civic Engagement at National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), Nikema has proven that she would make an incredible Congresswoman in her own right. While a giant like John Lewis is irreplaceable, Planned Parenthood Action Fund couldn’t be more proud of Nikema, and we look forward to working with her in her new role, fighting together to make Georgia and the nation a healthier and safer place for all who live here."

Statement from Staci Fox, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates

“We have lost a champion, a titan, and a friend. John Lewis can never be replaced in the history of the struggle for civil rights or in our hearts, but his work must continue. Nikema Williams is a fearless advocate and a trailblazer in her own right. It was our honor to work alongside her at Planned Parenthood Southeast, Planned Parenthood Southeast Advocates, and in the Georgia senate, and we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with her as she begins her inspiring next chapter. Nikema is a wonderful choice to take up Congressman Lewis' fight in the nation’s capital on behalf of Georgians and the nation."

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.