Kelly Mikel Williams
Servant, Advocate, Leader for Congress
Kelly Mikel Williams is a dedicated public servant, advocate, and community leader. During more than 25 years in D.C, Kelly Mikel has served in all levels of government, from the White House, State Legislature, to the DC Council and his local neighborhood commission. He’s been a renter, a homeowner, and he’s been homeless. He was a parent in D.C schools. He’s a community volunteer, churchgoer, and taxpayer. He’s a lifelong Democrat and has won elections for himself and for others.
"In the halls of Congress
I will be the representative who advocates for D.C’s interests alongside our local leaders. I will fight harmful meddling from out-of-state politicians who don’t live in our neighborhoods and don’t care about our communities. I’ll stand up to the bullies, that would try to take our Home Rule!”
Inspired by a Senior Democrat
Growing up in Southern California, Kelly Mikel’s mother was a nurse, and his father a police detective. They instilled in Kelly Mikel values of integrity, discipline, and service. Kelly Mikel’s late mother led him into Democratic politics and grassroots organizing as a supporter and fundraiser for Dianne Feinstein, who would become California’s longtime U.S. Senator and hold the office until her death in 2023. He paused college to register voters in Central California and work on several critical campaigns before graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Political Science. Bill Clinton’s reelection to the White House brought Kelly Mikel to Washington in 1997, where he went on to serve in the White House, Department of Agriculture, and Farm Credit Administration.
Kelly Mikel Williams with his late mother getting signatures in the community
“My campaign is about providing a fresh new voice for DC in Congress. While we must honor the past 36 years of service and the foundation that has been established, we must look ahead. It is time for the next generation of Washingtonians to step up for DC’s future. My diverse set of experiences best position me to address the challenges the District faces today and lead us into the future.”
Kelly Mikel with an unhoused constituent
Strength through Adversity
Life for Kelly Mikel took a turn in the early 2000s, when a new administration came to town and he found himself without a job. He struggled and lost his home. And gained custody of his young son while he was couch-surfing and sleeping in his car. He battled depression. This low point ultimately strengthened Kelly Mikel’s resilience and his commitment to advocating for DC’s most vulnerable, especially those experiencing homelessness. He eventually became the sole parent to his son, who graduated from Eastern High School and has since graduated from NYU and is studying for his Master’s degree in London, England.
Servant Leader for Congress
Work and Life Experience
Locally, Kelly Mikel’s public service includes serving as Director of Constituent Service for former at-large council member and serving as Commissioner and Chairman of ANC 8E in Congress Heights. As chair, Kelly Mikel has focused on deepening engagement with neighbors, improving the commission’s transparency, creating economic development, and advocating for his neighbors in disputes with landlords and in navigating DC government agencies. Kelly Mikel also serves on the Board of Directors of Covenant House Greater Washington, the region’s leading nonprofit protecting, supporting, and transforming the lives of youth experiencing homelessness, disconnection, and exploitation.
Motivated by civic duty and spiritual conviction, in 2024 Kelly Mikel ran for Congress to serve as DC’s Delegate. He came in second and was encouraged to run again.
As DC voters consider the future of their congressional representation in 2026, Kelly Mikel offers voters a fresh vision for the role combined with professional and life experiences that mirrors the diversity of today’s District of Columbia, for which Kelly Mikel is keenly aware.
MY VISION GOES BEYOND STATEHOOD
