LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Ohio House District 44 Representative and Majority Whip Josh Williams stopped in Lima on Friday to speak at the Allen County Republican luncheon about his journey into politics.
Born and raised in Toledo, Williams grew up in poverty and dropped out of high school as a senior. He became homeless after falling 30 feet while working on the railroad, a fall that crushed his spine. Bedridden for six years, Williams later enrolled in college, earning three degrees in five years before becoming a college professor and practicing attorney. At the luncheon, Williams shared what motivated him to get back on his feet, a decision that ultimately led him into politics.
At the luncheon, Williams shared what motivated him to get back on his feet, a decision that ultimately led him into politics.
“Part of it was my faith, my belief in my lord and savior Jesus Christ but also my republican principles that teach me about individual responsibility. You know, it was up to me to get out of that bed, make sure I made a recovery and when I had a chance go on to build marketable skills so that I can get back out into the workforce. And that's what I was able to do, and when I became a practicing attorney and saw the things that were wrong in our criminal justice system and in our legal system period, I felt the obligation to go into public service and become an elected official,” explains Rep. Josh Williams, (R) Ohio's 44th District & Majority Whip.
In Columbus, his primary goals focus on expanding school choice, criminal justice reform, and workforce development.
