Jayden Williams has broken ground by becoming the youngest candidate to run for mayor of his hometown Stockbridge, Georgia. The 21-year-old, who is currently the commissioner of Stockbridge, is a final-year student at Clark Atlanta University.
He believes that his experiences as Freshman Class President and Student Government Association Treasurer at Clark Atlanta University sharpened his capacity to speak out for and represent sizable populations.
He told HBCU Buzz, “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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According to him, his grandmother, Henry County Commissioner Vivian Thomas, inspires him through her hard work in local government.
Williams is now committed to tackling important issues that impact Stockbridge residents, driven by a desire to foster opportunity and development in a community he is familiar with.
His approach also calls for promoting small businesses, lowering taxes for locals through economic initiatives, and increasing tourists by highlighting Stockbridge’s historical value.
He recounted, “Raised by a military mom and an entrepreneurial father, I learned the importance of perseverance, service, and living by the belief that service is the rent we pay to exist on this earth.”
Williams, who has seen both Stockbridge’s potential and struggles, intends to prioritize economic development, affordable housing, public safety, and youth initiatives. He wants to maintain the city’s strong community while encouraging sustainable development.
“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,” Williams explained. “Public service is just as essential as education—fulfilling our civic duties holds the same weight as attending class.”
Williams intends to address the urgent need for affordable housing in Stockbridge as he knows that many citizens are struggling with high living costs and limited housing options. Williams is also enthusiastic about environmental sustainability and wants to encourage high-quality, energy-efficient housing techniques that lower costs and lessen the city’s carbon footprint.
“If we fail to address these issues,” he said, “We risk losing the sense of community that makes Stockbridge unique and jeopardizing our environmental future.”
He also intends to leverage community engagement by launching programs such as a Mayor’s Town Hall forum, where individuals may directly express their concerns and actively participate in decision-making processes.
Williams 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.
