Rissa Williams has been endorsed by the North Dakota Dem-NPL Party for the North Dakota House of Representatives in District 31.
“I’m running because I couldn’t wait any longer for someone to do something,” Williams said.
Williams, a Bismarck English language educator, cited the rising cost of living as a central concern. “Grocery and utility costs keep rising and the costs of tariffs are being paid 95 percent by consumers,” she said. “It’s time for us to work together to solve these issues. There are more everyday North Dakotans like us in the middle than on either of the extremes.”
Williams said her experience recently writing to her state representative about the SAVE Act, which would put undue voting restrictions on women who married and used their spouse’s last name, and then receiving only a form letter about Head Start funding in return, made it clear that the current legislators are out of touch with constituents. “I’m running to listen, serve, and lead us toward a community, state, and country we can all be proud of,” she said.
On immigration, Williams said we should look to the ancestors of North Dakota’s history. “All of my great grandparents were immigrants,” she said. “My mom’s dad didn’t speak English until he started school. Immigration helped build this country.” Williams also added, “No one wants criminals of any background running rampant in the streets, but immigration reform should not be enforced using extreme and questionable measures.”
Williams, a state licensed substitute teacher, is an English language aide at Horizon Middle School in Bismarck. She has also secured grants to purchase ukuleles for her students learning English, incorporating weekly music lessons through which students develop language, math, art, and creative skills.
In 2016, the Bismarck City Commission recognized her as a recipient of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition Arc of Justice Award, which reflects Martin Luther King Jr.’s statement that “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The award recognized the way Williams lives her life daily, working for equality and justice.
North Dakota United nominated Williams as an Everyday Superhero for her work with students learning English as their second language, providing a safe and loving environment for them to grow.
Williams has been a member of the Bismarck Human Relations Committee, a city-established body designed to foster an atmosphere of inclusion, equality, and accessibility in Bismarck through education and outreach. The committee works to eliminate discrimination, promote diversity, and recognize community members who uphold human rights.
Wiliams was in the United States Air Force and attended Minot State University majoring in communications and broadcast journalism. She also earned a massage therapy certificate, Advanced EMT certificate, is a certified CPR instructor, and has been active in community and county ambulance service programs.
Williams has one adult son, as well as adult stepchildren, and grandchildren.