An ambitious student has proven that no dream is too big. Jayden Williams first broke ground as the youngest candidate to run for mayor of his hometown, Stockbridge, Georgia.
Williams, who was at the time the commissioner of Stockbridge and a final-year student at Clark Atlanta University, has now been elected as the city’s youngest mayor.
Now a graduate, he defeated incumbent Mayor Anthony Ford, earning 53 percent of the vote in the November 4 election.
“Beating a two-time incumbent is huge, and it just shows that Stockbridge is ready for some change,” Williams said, according to Fox5 Atlanta.
The Stockbridge native said he’s ready to lead and hopes voters will focus on his vision for the city rather than his age.
“I prayed, and one of the things I tell everybody is that I’m not here to please people,” he said. “I’m here to be pleasing in the Lord’s sight.”
Williams demonstrated an early commitment to public service, starting as the Youth Council Mayor in high school and then taking on multiple leadership roles during his college years. Following graduation, he was motivated to return to his hometown with the goal of enacting change.
“I watched a few council meetings and said, this is not the standard I left when I went to Clark Atlanta,” Williams recalled. “I knew we needed some change, and I decided to jump in for mayor.”
Before he was elected, he told HBCU Buzz, “Although I will graduate from Clark Atlanta University before the election in November, it was important for me to announce my candidacy as an undergraduate. Public service is just as essential as education—fulfilling our civic duties holds the same weight as attending class.”
He also said, “Stockbridge raised me, but Clark Atlanta educated me. The rich history and legacy of CAU have profoundly shaped my journey, and I carry that legacy with pride as I work to serve our community.”
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Now, as mayor-elect, Williams said his focus will be on growth, infrastructure, and inclusion — making sure all residents feel represented and heard.
“I really want to see us grow into something where every single resident feels accommodated,” he said. “That includes new residents, young professionals, working families, our teachers, and our seniors. I want everyone to feel like they’re home.”
Williams considers his victory to hold profound personal significance for his family, particularly given Stockbridge’s history. He has previously cited his inspiration as his grandmother, Henry County Commissioner Vivian Thomas, whose diligent service in local government motivated him.
“My great-grandfather used to tell my grandmother never to stop in Henry County or Stockbridge because of racial tension,” Williams said. “In 2017, she became the first Black female commissioner in District Four — and now they can say her grandson is the mayor of the city.”
The historical significance of his victory is still setting in for Williams and his family, according to the mayor-elect. While the official inauguration date is still pending, it is anticipated to be held sometime in early January.
Williams said before the election that he hopes to make an impact that lasts beyond his term as he advances in his campaign. “My goal is to ensure Stockbridge continues to grow and succeed long after my tenure—10, 15, or even 100 years from now,” he declared.
He told ClutchPoints, “I want to bring the voices of the community into City Hall. I want to make sure that residents feel they’re part of decision-making processes that impact their daily lives. For me, it’s all about partnership.”
In addition to his political goals, William wants to inspire greater youth involvement to develop the next generation of leaders.
He was recognized twice as a White House HBCU Scholar and used the honor to promote HBCUs and the value they provide to society. ClutchPoints reports that he was recruited as a scholar for the first time in 2022 and recently returned to take part in the White House Initiative on HBCUs program for the 2024–2025 academic year.
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