If elected, Williams will be an important LGBTQ voice in the Capital City
Jennifer Williams is running to become Trenton’s North Ward City Councilmember. She would be Trenton’s first openly LGBTQ City Councilmember and would join a growing contingent of LGBTQ elected officials in the Garden State if elected.
Williams is a lifelong Trentonian; a writer, healthcare professional, small business owner, youth sports coach, and a parent. She has lived in Trenton for over 20 years and has been active in many endeavors. She has always strived to improve the life of residents in the Capital City. The LGBTQ Victory Fund helps provide financial resources and other support to LGBTQ people seeking public office and this endorsement will help tremendously say activists.
“Jennifer’s commitment to finding smart policy solutions to Trenton’s needs through public input and respectfully asking tough questions makes her the best candidate to represent [the] North Ward,” said Victory Funds president and CEO Ennis Parker. “When she wins in November, Jennifer will bring a unique and critical approach to Trenton’s city council, and she will ensure that all residents are considered when making policy decisions.” Parker is a former Houston, Texas mayor
“Jennifer’s commitment to finding smart policy solutions to Trenton’s needs through public input and respectfully asking the tough questions makes her the best candidate to represent the North Ward,” said Parker.
Williams is currently the Republican Municipal Chair in Trenton. She will face off against three opponents in November’s non-partisan municipal election. The incumbent, three-term councilwoman Marge Caldwell-Wilson, is not seeking re-election this term. That leaves the position wide open for a new councilperson.
Williams faces three opponents in the November non-partisan municipal election: Merkle Cherry is considered the one to beat. He is the city’s former public works director. Also running are Algernon Ward, Jr., a local celebrity and city activist and Divine Allah, a controversial local figure. Allah has called openly-gay mayor Reed Gusciora a f***ing faggot publicly. Divine Allah also is said to support the current mayors opponent, Council President and mayoral candidate Kathy McBride. She has called Gusciora many derogatory names in the last three years.
“LGBTQ individuals, particularly trans individuals, have by no means had equitable illustration in authorities, with the battle wounds to indicate for it,” said Sean Meloy at the Victory Fund. “LGBTQ Victory Fund is proud to help Jennifer’s historic candidacy, he told InsiderNJ reporter Jay Lassiter. “We’re assured that when she shatters a lavender ceiling come November, she might be a powerful voice for equality within the metropolis council and be sure that all residents are thought-about when coverage selections are made.”
Williams has served on the local Zoning Board of Adjustment for the past 14 years. Since coming out, she has been unanimously reappointed by Trenton City Council twice to the position. Her fellow board members unanimously chose her to lead as Chair for the past two years. Williams said she has learned much while in the position and wishes to apply her knowledge to the role of North Ward City Councilperson.
Williams serves as an LGBTQ advocate and activist in many roles. Currently she is on the Advisory Board for the American Unity Fund and is a Leadership Council member for Freedom for all American’s “Conservatives Against Discrimination” team. This year she helped advance the cause of freedom, liberty and equality for LGBTQ people by aiding a midwestern LGBTQ advocacy organization in its lobbying of state legislative representatives — resulting in several anti-LGBTQ bills not being brought to a floor vote.
In addition to Jennifer’s advocacy work, she serves her local community as a Public Member for the District Fee Arbitration Committee — Office of Attorney Ethics, State of New Jersey; an Advisor on the Patient Family Advisory Council for University of Pennsylvania — Princeton Medical Center; and as a Member of University of Pennsylvania Health System’s Health Equity and PMX Standards Work Group.
Williams is also a supporter or member of the Center for American Women and Politics, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce and Garden State Equality.
Jennifer holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Tulane University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from La Salle University and an Intensive Film certificate from New York University. Jennifer and her wife have two teenagers and a cat named “Simba.” She is quite proud that her children’s first rock concert was the Rolling Stones.
