Bart Williams (politician)

Williams was born in Memphis, Tennessee and attended Harding Academy.[1] He graduated from Mississippi State University.[1]

Initially an engineer by profession, he later delved into the security industry part time in 1993, founding a business Security Solutions and Communications, Inc.[2] He began working fulltime in 1998.[2] In 2009, Williams was elected secretary of the Mississippi Alarm Association, which he states, "started the path that brought me to running for Senate."[2]

After former, longtime State Senator Gary Jackson retired due to health concerns, Williams ran for election to fill the seat, where he had to compete against four other main candidates.[3] His campaign emphasized "proper funding for our schools", defending "our second amendment rights", and economic growth for small communities.[3] In the general election, he received 33.6% of the vote, while the other three main candidates received between 13.9% and 27.9%.[4] The race went to a special election, where Williams received 53.6% of the vote over contender Joyce Yates, who got 46.4% of the vote.[5] Williams assumed office on October 28, 2020 and is a Republican.

In the Senate, for the 2021 legislative session, Williams was assigned the Vice-Chair for the Technology committee and is a member of the following committees: Appropriations, Constitution, County Affairs, Drug Policy, Investigate State Offices, Labor, and Universities and Colleges.[6]

Williams is married with two children and is of Methodist faith.[1] He is an active member of the Rotary Club and is an Ambassador for the Starkville Partnership.[1]