FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2026
Contact: Dr. Deshawnda Williams Campaign ContactDrDWilliams@gmail.com drd4thepeople.com
Screenshot
DR. DESHAWNDA WILLIAMS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR PENNSYLVANIA STATE REPRESENTATIVE, 200TH DISTRICT
Celebrated Philadelphia Pastor, Clinician, and Community Leader Enters Race with Campaign Kickoff Meet & Greet in Northwest Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Dr. Deshawnda Williams, a respected pastor, licensed clinical social worker, educator, and community advocate, has officially launched her campaign for Pennsylvania State Representative in the 200th Legislative District. She is running for the Democratic nomination in the May 19, 2026 Primary Election, focusing on Economic Advancement, Public Health, and Social Justice and Equality.
Dr. Williams will host a Campaign Kickoff Meet & Greet on March 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 7700 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150. The event is free and everyone from the 200th District and nearby areas is welcome.
A Champion for Northwest Philadelphia
Many in Philadelphia know Dr. Deshawnda Williams as “Dr. Dee.” She has spent over 25 years serving the community, reaching more than 10,000 Philadelphians through her work in social work, education, ministry, mental health advocacy, and civic leadership. She leads On The Right Track Consultants, LLC, which offers life coaching, clinical supervision, and mental health counseling. She also founded Purple Queen Publishing House to help underrepresented voices share their stories.
Before working in ministry and social services, Dr. Williams was an elite athlete. She was an 8-time NCAA Track and Field Champion and a 13-time All-American. Her determination and competitive spirit have shaped her years of public service in Philadelphia.
Dr. Williams has served as 1st Vice President and Health Committee Chair for the Philadelphia Branch NAACP. The Mayor of Philadelphia also appointed her to a leadership role in faith-based and interfaith affairs. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Global Missions from Palmer Theological Seminary, a Master of Clinical Social Work from Tulane University, a Master of Education in Special Education from Arcadia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Sociology from Wheaton College.
A Platform Built on Community Needs
Dr. Williams’ campaign platform focuses on the biggest challenges facing families in the 200th District, which covers West Mt. Airy, West Oak Lane, Germantown, and nearby communities in Wards 9, 10, 21, 22, and 50. She will support living-wage increases, small business growth, help for minority entrepreneurs, workforce development, and affordable homeownership policies to prevent displacement and help families build wealth in Northwest Philadelphia.
Public Health: With her experience in clinical social work and mental health advocacy, Dr. Williams plans to expand access to mental health services, address gun violence as a public health issue, increase funding for community health clinics, and support health equity policies to close gaps for Black and Brown communities.
Social Justice & Equality: Dr. Williams will speak up in Harrisburg for education equity, criminal justice reform, support for people re-entering society, housing solutions for those without homes, and protection of voting rights and civic access for everyone in the 200th District.
“I am not running because it is my turn. I am running because the families of the 200th District cannot afford to wait. For over 25 years, I have been doing this work in our communities, in our clinics, churches, classrooms, and neighborhoods. Now it is time to take that work to Harrisburg and fight for our people from the inside. My slogan is simple, and it comes from the heart: Stand For Me, So I Can Sit For You. I am ready to stand, and I am asking Northwest Philadelphia to stand with me.”
About the Campaign Kickoff Meet & Greet
The Campaign Kickoff Meet & Greet is the official public launch of Dr. Williams’ campaign for the 200th District seat. Community members can meet Dr. Dee in person, hear her vision for Northwest Philadelphia, ask questions, and find out how to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or block captain.
Event Details:
- 📅 Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2026
- 🕔 Time: 5:00 PM
- 📍 Location: 7700 Ogontz Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19150
- 📧 Contact: ContactDrDWilliams@gmail.com
- 🌐 Website: drd4thepeople.com
About the Pennsylvania 200th Legislative District
The Pennsylvania 200th Legislative District covers Northwest Philadelphia, including zip codes 19119 (West Mt. Airy), 19138 (West Oak Lane), and parts of 19144 (Germantown) and 19150 (Stenton/Cheltenham corridor). The district includes Wards 9, 10, 21, 22, and 50, which are known for their cultural heritage, civic pride, and strong faith traditions.
How to Get Involved
If you live in the 200th District or support the campaign from anywhere in Philadelphia, here’s how you can get involved:
- Visit drd4thepeople.com to learn more about the campaign and sign up for updates.
- Volunteer by canvassing, phone banking, or serving as a block captain
- Attend the Campaign Kickoff Meet & Greet on March 19, 2026
- Follow and share the campaign on social media using #DrDee4ThePeople.
- Make a plan to vote in the Primary Election on May 19, 2026
Paid for by Dr. Dee for the People. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
###
