Greenbelter Nicole Williams was named the newest delegate to represent District 22 in the Maryland General Assembly by Governor Larry Hogan, who appointed her on Friday, November 15.
“I am confident that Nicole Williams will represent the citizens of Prince George’s County admirably in her new role as state delegate,” said Hogan. “I offer Ms. Williams my sincere congratulations and look forward to working with her in the upcoming legislative session.”
Williams takes over the position vacated by Tawanna Gaines, who resigned and pleaded guilty to using campaign funds for per sonal expenses. Williams, a real estate attorney who has been a Greenbelt resident since 2013, was a candidate for Delegate in 2018. After many years of working for other candidates and working with political parties, she says she chose to run because the issues she wants to address are best worked out at the state level.
For the upcoming session, Williams says maglev and other transportation issues will be important. In addition, she is expecting to work on equity in education and the Kirwan Commission Report.
Stating that “Kirwan is going to be a huge topic this session,” she then explained that the report deals with issues such as modifying formula funding for education, changing the way teachers are paid, best practices in education, curriculum development and more. Williams is also expecting to eventually bring up housing and environmental concerns.
Williams’ application packet included multiple endorsement letters, including a joint letter from Senator Paul Pinsky and Delegates Anne Healey and Alonzo Washington:
“We recommend her because she has been a leader in our district, county and state,” they wrote. “Nicole leads the local Democratic club as president … When she ran for Delegate last year, she worked hard, knocking on thousands of doors, raising significant campaign funds, and most importantly running an honorable campaign. Sticking to issues, she refrained from attacking other candidates.”
Williams will be sworn in on Friday, December 6 at 10 a.m. in the House Chambers at the State House in Annapolis. Once the legislative session starts on January 8 and she has an office, she plans to have an open door policy and invites her constituents to “stop by, say hello, tell me your concerns.”