On Tuesday Shonique Williams announced the kick-off of her new run for Congress in California. Through the recent passing of Proposition 50, a newly opened congressional seat, California has now acquired a new district, CA-41. The 41st district covers communities across east Los Angeles County and West Orange County.
In a statement shared with Our Weekly, Williams said “I am running for Congress because our communities deserve leadership that understands struggle and fights for opportunity. CA-41 has the talent, culture, and resilience to thrive, but we need federal leadership that will prioritize housing, mental health, education, and community-driven public safety. I am committed to being a strong, honest, and accessible voice for every family in this district.”
A progressive Democrat and raised in Southern California, Williams is a first generation college graduate. In her early 20s, she suffered at the hands of the state as she was wrongly convicted and incarcerated, which motivated her to be a voice for civil rights and greatly inspires the work she does today.
During her career she has had various roles such as an organizer, advocate, a small business owner and a role in the legal field. She served as a statewide organizer of criminal justice reform for the Women’s Foundation California.
Williams has contributed to statewide initiatives including Women’s Dignity Campaign and “Ban the Box” legislation while working with groups like the Anti- Recidivism Coalition. She has assisted returning citizens, supported survivors of violence, and advocated for affordable housing, trauma informed programs and pathways to higher education. She has been at the forefront of social justice reform helping families navigate the justice system and has constantly advocated for systemic change.
CA-41 is one of California’s most distinct and diverse districts, it holds communities with various needs such as affordable housing, community safety, mental health care and economic opportunities. The official election will take place on Nov. 3, 2026. More information can be found at https://shoniqueforcongress.com/