SOUTH LOS ANGELES – 43rd Congressional District candidate Steve Williams is a Los Angeles native and is running against political juggernaut Rep. Maxine Waters this election cycle.
According to his bio, Williams is a graduate of Narbonne High School and the University of Southern California where he majored in business with an emphasis in marketing and is a registered Republican.
I had a chance to speak with him about his vision for the district, how his being the son of former gang members drives his focus on addressing public safety, how he differs from Waters, and if he believes the presidential race impacts this local race.
What prompted you to run?
SW: Growing up as the youngest of three boys in the tight-knit, diverse California neighborhood of Harbor City taught me resilience early on. Our neighborhood was a melting pot, with kids from all backgrounds. But as I got older, I realized we were ‘hood adjacent,’ and many of my classmates came from gang-affiliated backgrounds. I saw firsthand the pull of that life and its toll on my peers. I was fortunate to have strong role models in my parents, who themselves were former gang members, and they showed me that it was possible to overcome pressures and achieve dreams beyond our surroundings.
During my time at USC, I started mentoring young people from South Central and Echo Park, hoping to inspire them to explore their potential and believe in a future where they could succeed without resorting to the streets. But as life moved on, it became challenging to maintain that work consistently. Then, when the pandemic hit in 2020, it further exposed just how deeply our youth and communities were struggling – facing broken promises, economic hardships, and a system that often fails them. That’s when I realized I couldn’t just sit on the sidelines anymore.
I’m running for Congress to reignite my passion for helping young people, this time through impactful policies as well as life mentoring. I believe I can champion real opportunities that give the youth choices, opening a path toward growth and success that strengthens both their lives and our communities.
How do you and the incumbent differ on how to address issues in the 43rd Congressional District?
SW: My approach to addressing issues in the 43rd District centers on practical solutions that directly impact residents’ lives – making the cost of living more affordable, expanding job opportunities, and enhancing community safety. The incumbent, Maxine Waters, has held office for 34 years, yet our district continues to face rising crime, unaffordable housing, and limited economic growth. While she is focused on campaigning for others, I’m here in the district, connecting with community members and listening to understand their needs.
My focus is on tackling the issues our residents face daily: crime, homelessness, and especially the rising costs of food, gas, and housing. I believe in fostering opportunity through community-driven programs, such as local buying cooperatives and support for small businesses, which will drive local job creation and boost economic stability.
Unlike my opponent, I am committed to being fully present and accountable in our district. That’s why, if elected, I plan to open five district offices instead of the single office my opponent maintains. My goal is to implement changes that are both transformative and accessible to everyone in the 43rd District – not just a select few.
As a Republican candidate, do you feel the presidential campaign has any impact on your reaching voters and addressing their concerns?
SW: Yes, being a Republican has dramatically impacted my ability to reach voters, especially since Donald Trump’s shift from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party in 2015. Local newspapers and radio stations, particularly those serving the Black community, have shut me out, refusing to provide a platform for me to address the real concerns of our residents. Political tribalism has conditioned people to think their ethnicity should dictate their political affiliation. This is precisely why I wrote my op-ed, Why I am a Republican, to clarify why, as a Black, Filipino, and Mexican man, I made this choice.
For me, being a Republican isn’t about adhering to a label; it’s about delivering tangible solutions to the pressing issues we face in the 43rd District. I’m here to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that true leadership is rooted in a commitment to our community, not in blind party loyalty. Our community deserves real answers and practical action, and I am unwavering in my commitment to provide both.
That’s why, when I was asked, I didn’t hesitate to address the community at a candidate forum hosted at the BLM LA headquarters in the Crenshaw district, standing firm in my commitment to listen, learn, and support residents anywhere, anytime.
What are the top 3 issues facing residents in the district and how will you work with the local leaders to address them?
SW: Through my engagement in the community, I have found that the top three issues facing residents in the 43rd Congressional District are rising crime, the escalating cost of living, and homelessness.
Rising Crime: Public safety is a primary concern for many residents, and I believe we need to prioritize it by collaborating closely with local law enforcement and community organizations. My plan includes implementing community policing initiatives to build trust and foster collaboration between officers and residents. Additionally, I support programs focused on youth engagement and prevention, providing young people with alternatives to gang involvement and crime. By creating a safer environment, we can restore a sense of security in our neighborhoods.
I plan to help local leaders balance criminal justice reform with law enforcement by championing tailored funding and technical assistance while ensuring that adequate resources remain for law enforcement. Key initiatives include: (i) expanding alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment courts and mental health programs for low-level, non-violent offenders; (ii) increasing funding for reentry programs that support job placement, housing, and social services for formerly incarcerated individuals; (iii) offering technical assistance to develop policies that reduce sentences for non-violent offenders while maintaining appropriate consequences for repeat and violent crimes; (iv) investing in socioeconomic programs that address the root causes of crime; (v) incentivizing states to reinvest savings from reduced incarceration into community programs like education, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment; and (vi) enhancing victim support services to ensure access to restitution, counseling, and other resources as reforms are implemented.
Escalating Cost of Living: Another significant concern for residents is the escalating cost of living, particularly regarding food and gasoline prices – essential daily expenses. Volatility in energy markets and food supply chains has put immense pressure on consumers, affecting transportation, mobility, and the affordability of basic necessities.
California ranks seventh in the nation for oil production and third for crude oil refining capacity. In fact, entry-level jobs at our local refineries start at around $85,000 per year and only require a high school diploma. To combat rising gasoline costs, I will work with local leaders to increase domestic energy production, such as expanding natural gas and oil through safe methods. This approach will stabilize prices and align with the goal of energy independence. Additionally, I support incentivizing renewable energy through tax credits for electric vehicles and infrastructure for solar, wind, and biofuels, which can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Policies encouraging fuel-efficient vehicles and streamlining permitting for oil refineries – while ensuring environmental protections – will also contribute to lower gasoline costs.
To lower food costs, I will collaborate with local leaders to strengthen supply chains by reducing bottlenecks through infrastructure improvements, such as enhancing transportation networks and ports. Promoting local agriculture through urban farms and farmers’ markets will help minimize transportation costs. Connecting businesses with food banks will reduce waste and lower prices. Moreover, increasing competition in grocery retail by supporting small, independent grocers will drive down costs. Encouraging cooperative buying programs, where consumers pool resources to purchase goods in bulk at discounted rates, offers another market-based solution. Expanding tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) will also help families manage rising expenses.
Homelessness: The third major concern for residents is homelessness, and it’s clear that our current system needs reform. I am committed to collaborating with local service providers and nonprofits to create comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. This includes expanding access to mental health and substance abuse services, as well as implementing preventive programs such as job training and employment assistance. By fostering strong partnerships with all levels of government, nonprofits, and businesses, we can develop sustainable solutions that not only help residents transition out of homelessness but also prevent individuals from becoming homeless in the first place.
Tell us about your background and how it will make you an effective Congressperson if elected?
SW: Throughout my upbringing, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families (including my own) in my community, particularly the impact of crime and economic instability. My own experiences shaped my understanding of resilience and the importance of strong role models. My parents, former gang members, demonstrated that it’s possible to overcome adversity and achieve one’s dreams. This foundation instilled in me a commitment to serve others and to be a positive influence in my community.
My educational journey at USC broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to public service, especially through my experiences in youth mentoring. These pivotal moments not only fueled my passion for community engagement but also highlighted the pressing need for effective policies that empower our youth and address the systemic challenges they face. I understand the importance of listening to the voices of those I aim to represent, and I am determined to advocate for their needs.
In my professional career, I have gained valuable insights into the intricacies of government, business, and community dynamics. My work in commercial and residential real estate as well as land use consulting has provided me with a practical understanding of the economic factors affecting our district, including housing affordability and local job creation. I have seen how effective collaboration between government, businesses, and community organizations can lead to real change, and I am committed to bringing this approach to Congress and the 43rd District.
If elected, I will leverage my unique background and experiences to serve as a dynamic Congressman, championing practical solutions that confront our most pressing challenges head-on. My dedicated pursuit of transparency, accountability, and active community engagement will ensure I stay connected to the needs of my constituents at every step. I’m not just prepared to bring fresh ideas to Washington D.C.; I’m fueled by a profound sense of purpose to advocate for policies that empower our communities and create a brighter, more hopeful future. While many may call me an idealist, I proudly define myself as a DISRUPTOR – ready to challenge the status quo!
