Sharon Stokes-Williamson

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Sharon Stokes-Williamson completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stokes-Williamson's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a lifelong resident of Georgia’s 1st Congressional District and a public health leader with more than 35 years of service across Southeast Georgia. My career has been dedicated to strengthening families, improving community health, and building systems that make government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. I’ve worked at the local, state, and federal levels — including two foundations created by Congress to support the work of the CDC and EPA — and I currently support aging and disabled adults through well‑checks and care coordination.\r\n<p>I’m also an educator and mentor, serving as adjunct faculty and helping prepare the next generation of public health professionals. My work has taken me into 35+ counties across our region, where I’ve listened to families, collaborated with community organizations, and helped design programs that address real needs, such as maternal health, environmental safety, preventive care services, and access to care.\r\n</p>\nI’m running for Congress because the challenges facing our district, from healthcare access to economic opportunity to infrastructure, require someone who understands our communities at a grassroots level. I’m not a career politician. I’m a problem-solver, a coalition-builder, and someone who has spent decades working directly with the people who are too often overlooked. My campaign is grounded in service, integrity, and a commitment to ensuring an investment in every family in Southeast Georgia\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>Service Over Politics.\r\nFor more than 35 years, I’ve served families across Southeast Georgia as a public health leader, educator, and advocate. I’m running for Congress to bring that same commitment to service, integrity, and accountability to Washington, not political gamesmanship.</li><li>Strong, Healthy, and Thriving Communities.\r\nI’ve spent my career improving mental health, disabilities, environmental safety, aging services, and access to care. I understand the challenges our communities face because I’ve worked directly with them. My focus is on building systems that help every family in Georgia’s 1st District live healthier, safer, and more economically secure lives.</li><li>Common‑Sense Leadership Rooted in Local Experience.\r\nI’m a lifelong resident of this district who has worked in more than 35 counties across our region. I know our people, our strengths, and our needs. I will bring practical, community‑informed solutions to Congress — solutions shaped by listening, collaboration, and real‑world experience.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading1-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am passionate about strengthening public health systems, expanding access to care, and improving maternal, environmental, and community health across Southeast Georgia. I care deeply about policies that support safe neighborhoods, aging adults, working families, and the infrastructure communities need to thrive. As an educator and lifelong resident of this district, I am committed to solutions that create opportunity, stability, and healthier futures for every family.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading2-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse2-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse2-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading2-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse2-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI look up to people who lead with integrity, humility, and a commitment to service, qualities I saw every day in my mother and in the mentors who guided me throughout my career. Their examples taught me the importance of preparation, compassion, accountability, and standing firm in your values even when the path is difficult. I hope to follow their example by serving with honesty, treating people with dignity, and using my experience to improve the lives of families and communities across Southeast Georgia.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading3-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse3-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse3-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading3-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse3-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the people rather than political interests. Effective leaders must be good listeners who are willing to collaborate, seek common ground, and make decisions based on facts, transparency, and the long‑term well‑being of their communities. They should also demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and the ability to communicate clearly so that every resident feels seen, heard, and represented.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading4-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse4-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse4-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading4-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse4-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe core responsibilities of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives include listening to the needs of their district, drafting and voting on legislation, and ensuring that federal resources and policies support the well‑being of the communities they serve. Members are also responsible for overseeing federal agencies, maintaining transparency and accountability in government, and responding directly to constituents through casework and community engagement. Above all, the role requires representing the district’s interests with integrity, accessibility, and a commitment to practical solutions that improve people’s lives.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading5-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse5-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse5-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat legacy would you like to leave?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading5-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse5-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI want to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and community impact, one that shows I used my experience to make life better for families across Southeast Georgia. Throughout my career, I have worked to strengthen public health systems, expand access to care, and build programs that support people during their most vulnerable moments. My hope is that future generations will see that I stood up for them, created pathways to opportunity, and helped build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading6-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse6-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse6-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was your very first job? How long did you have it?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading6-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse6-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy first job was a pizza girl at M&amp;M grocery stores in Savannah, GA. This was my first job after graduating from high school. My managers valued my adaptability and flexibility to do various jobs. I moved up to a cake decorator, deli clerk, and cheese shop manager.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading7-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse7-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse7-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat is something that has been a struggle in your life?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading7-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse7-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tOne of the greatest struggles in my life has been navigating periods of financial and healthcare instability, especially when I lost my job and health insurance while also caring for family members with serious health needs. Those experiences were humbling and difficult, but they also strengthened my resolve to advocate for families who face similar challenges every day. They shaped my commitment to building systems that are fair, accessible, and supportive of people during their most vulnerable moments.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading8-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse8-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse8-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading8-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse8-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is designed to be the chamber closest to the people, with members elected every two years to ensure frequent accountability to their districts. Its larger size and population‑based representation give it a broader and more diverse range of voices, reflecting communities of all sizes across the country. The House also holds specific constitutional powers, such as originating revenue bills and initiating impeachment proceedings, that distinguish it from the Senate and underscore its central role in representing the public’s immediate needs and priorities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading9-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse9-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse9-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading9-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse9-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tThe United States faces several significant challenges in the coming decade, including strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure, addressing rising costs of living, and ensuring that families have access to affordable healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity. Communities will also continue to confront issues related to climate resilience, aging infrastructure, and the need for a modern workforce prepared for technological change. Many experts note that meeting these challenges will require collaboration across sectors, long‑term planning, and policies that prioritize equity, stability, and the well‑being of families and communities.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading10-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse10-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse10-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tDo you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading10-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse10-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tAs a former health policy instructor, yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking because real progress happens when leaders are willing to listen, find common ground, and focus on solutions that benefit the people rather than partisan interests. My career in public health has taught me that collaboration, even among groups with different priorities, is essential to solving complex problems. I will always work to bring people together, stay grounded in facts, and keep the needs of families and communities at the center of every decision.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading11-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse11-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse11-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading11-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse11-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tMy campaign is currently in active conversations with several organizations and community leaders, and I continue to meet with groups throughout the district as part of the endorsement process. As these endorsements are finalized, I will share them publicly to ensure full transparency with voters. My focus is on building a broad coalition of support rooted in community voices, public health leadership, and the needs of families across Southeast Georgia.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-401342-2026-04-15\" id=\"heading12-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse12-401342-2026-04-15\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse12-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading12-401342-2026-04-15\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse12-401342-2026-04-15\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI was the first in my family to graduate from college, allowing me to mentor future cousins who also followed in my footsteps. I also impacted a second generation; my children also graduated from college. Now, I am making history again, being the first person in my family to run for Congress.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nSharon Stokes-Williamson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Stokes-Williamson's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a lifelong resident of Georgia’s 1st Congressional District and a public health leader with more than 35 years of service across Southeast Georgia. My career has been dedicated to strengthening families, improving community health, and building systems that make government more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. I’ve worked at the local, state, and federal levels — including two foundations created by Congress to support the work of the CDC and EPA — and I currently support aging and disabled adults through well‑checks and care coordination. I’m also an educator and mentor, serving as adjunct faculty and helping prepare the next generation of public health professionals. My work has taken me into 35+ counties across our region, where I’ve listened to families, collaborated with community organizations, and helped design programs that address real needs, such as maternal health, environmental safety, preventive care services, and access to care. I’m running for Congress because the challenges facing our district, from healthcare access to economic opportunity to infrastructure, require someone who understands our communities at a grassroots level. I’m not a career politician. I’m a problem-solver, a coalition-builder, and someone who has spent decades working directly with the people who are too often overlooked. My campaign is grounded in service, integrity, and a commitment to ensuring an investment in every family in Southeast Georgia Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Service Over Politics.\r\nFor more than 35 years, I’ve served families across Southeast Georgia as a public health leader, educator, and advocate. I’m running for Congress to bring that same commitment to service, integrity, and accountability to Washington, not political gamesmanship. Strong, Healthy, and Thriving Communities.\r\nI’ve spent my career improving mental health, disabilities, environmental safety, aging services, and access to care. I understand the challenges our communities face because I’ve worked directly with them. My focus is on building systems that help every family in Georgia’s 1st District live healthier, safer, and more economically secure lives. Common‑Sense Leadership Rooted in Local Experience.\r\nI’m a lifelong resident of this district who has worked in more than 35 counties across our region. I know our people, our strengths, and our needs. I will bring practical, community‑informed solutions to Congress — solutions shaped by listening, collaboration, and real‑world experience. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about strengthening public health systems, expanding access to care, and improving maternal, environmental, and community health across Southeast Georgia. I care deeply about policies that support safe neighborhoods, aging adults, working families, and the infrastructure communities need to thrive. As an educator and lifelong resident of this district, I am committed to solutions that create opportunity, stability, and healthier futures for every family. Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why? I look up to people who lead with integrity, humility, and a commitment to service, qualities I saw every day in my mother and in the mentors who guided me throughout my career. Their examples taught me the importance of preparation, compassion, accountability, and standing firm in your values even when the path is difficult. I hope to follow their example by serving with honesty, treating people with dignity, and using my experience to improve the lives of families and communities across Southeast Georgia. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? The most important characteristics for an elected official include integrity, accountability, and a genuine commitment to serving the people rather than political interests. Effective leaders must be good listeners who are willing to collaborate, seek common ground, and make decisions based on facts, transparency, and the long‑term well‑being of their communities. They should also demonstrate empathy, professionalism, and the ability to communicate clearly so that every resident feels seen, heard, and represented. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? The core responsibilities of a member of the U.S. House of Representatives include listening to the needs of their district, drafting and voting on legislation, and ensuring that federal resources and policies support the well‑being of the communities they serve. Members are also responsible for overseeing federal agencies, maintaining transparency and accountability in government, and responding directly to constituents through casework and community engagement. Above all, the role requires representing the district’s interests with integrity, accessibility, and a commitment to practical solutions that improve people’s lives. What legacy would you like to leave? I want to leave a legacy of service, integrity, and community impact, one that shows I used my experience to make life better for families across Southeast Georgia. Throughout my career, I have worked to strengthen public health systems, expand access to care, and build programs that support people during their most vulnerable moments. My hope is that future generations will see that I stood up for them, created pathways to opportunity, and helped build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities. What was your very first job? How long did you have it? My first job was a pizza girl at M&M grocery stores in Savannah, GA. This was my first job after graduating from high school. My managers valued my adaptability and flexibility to do various jobs. I moved up to a cake decorator, deli clerk, and cheese shop manager. What is something that has been a struggle in your life? One of the greatest struggles in my life has been navigating periods of financial and healthcare instability, especially when I lost my job and health insurance while also caring for family members with serious health needs. Those experiences were humbling and difficult, but they also strengthened my resolve to advocate for families who face similar challenges every day. They shaped my commitment to building systems that are fair, accessible, and supportive of people during their most vulnerable moments. What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution? The U.S. House of Representatives is unique because it is designed to be the chamber closest to the people, with members elected every two years to ensure frequent accountability to their districts. Its larger size and population‑based representation give it a broader and more diverse range of voices, reflecting communities of all sizes across the country. The House also holds specific constitutional powers, such as originating revenue bills and initiating impeachment proceedings, that distinguish it from the Senate and underscore its central role in representing the public’s immediate needs and priorities. What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade? The United States faces several significant challenges in the coming decade, including strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure, addressing rising costs of living, and ensuring that families have access to affordable healthcare, housing, and economic opportunity. Communities will also continue to confront issues related to climate resilience, aging infrastructure, and the need for a modern workforce prepared for technological change. Many experts note that meeting these challenges will require collaboration across sectors, long‑term planning, and policies that prioritize equity, stability, and the well‑being of families and communities. Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking? As a former health policy instructor, yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable in policymaking because real progress happens when leaders are willing to listen, find common ground, and focus on solutions that benefit the people rather than partisan interests. My career in public health has taught me that collaboration, even among groups with different priorities, is essential to solving complex problems. I will always work to bring people together, stay grounded in facts, and keep the needs of families and communities at the center of every decision. What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign? My campaign is currently in active conversations with several organizations and community leaders, and I continue to meet with groups throughout the district as part of the endorsement process. As these endorsements are finalized, I will share them publicly to ensure full transparency with voters. My focus is on building a broad coalition of support rooted in community voices, public health leadership, and the needs of families across Southeast Georgia. What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? I was the first in my family to graduate from college, allowing me to mentor future cousins who also followed in my footsteps. I also impacted a second generation; my children also graduated from college. Now, I am making history again, being the first person in my family to run for Congress.\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it."}]