Meet Wisconsin’s 2022 US Senate Candidate, Darrell Williams

Steve Potter:
Democratic US Senate Candidate Darrell Williams, thank you for joining us.

Darrel Williams:
Hey, thanks. It is an honor to be here today.

Steve Potter:
So you are a State Emergency Management Administrator and an Army Veteran. Why do you want to be a United States Senator?

Darrel Williams:
Well, I think today it’s very important that we have someone with some knowledge, skills and experience in the areas that are really critical for us right now. I believe that the education of our children is paramount right now, especially when we are trying to be competitive. Especially now that we are recovering from COVID-19. I spent 26 years in education. I have been a teacher, principal, director of change, and was selected as National Principal of the Year and Acting Superintendent of Schools. I completed my education. I have a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in management, and a Ph.D. in urban education. I joined the army when I was 16 years old. I spent 29 years in the military and many years were spent right here in our very own Wisconsin National Guard. I received, I spent two years in the combat zone in Iraq and Afghanistan. As administrator of Wisconsin Emergency Management. I was appointed to that position by Governor Evers. That is the main state agency that deals with all natural and man-made disasters. It also serves as a heartbeat of the COVID-19 response and also of all civil unrest actions here within the state. For me this is not a matter of choice where this is the name, you know the person who has the most money. This is someone with some knowledge, skills and background in those particular areas and someone who can work with people nationally and get the best results here within the state of Wisconsin.

Steve Potter:
Okay. If he is elected, what would be his legislative priorities?

Darrel Williams:
I’m really worried about the whole thing with Roe v. Wade because I am someone who truly believes in a woman’s right to choose. Also, I think it’s important that we look at the Homeland Security of this nation and what we do for our veterans. And you won’t find a stronger candidate and stronger advocate for veterans’ issues than me. And the other side of the coin, the teachers. As we try to recover from COVID-19, teachers across the country, especially here in the state of Wisconsin, are at the heart of our growth. And we also have to look at the issues that people raised during the George Floyd situation. All Black Lives Matter theme. You’re looking at someone who really supports law enforcement to the fullest. But also, whenever we talk about Black Lives Matter, I know that all lives matter, but black lives can’t matter until they’re part of all of them.

Steve Potter:
You touched a bit on the economy. Inflation has reached a 40-year high. How should federal lawmakers tackle inflation?

Darrel Williams:
Not just the price of food, but the price of healthy food, especially those that are trying to be healthy, etc., and improve their longevity, etc. It is very expensive. We have to address those problems in particular. I know one of the issues that’s on the table is the whole legalization of, say, marijuana, to try to address and try to reduce and try to help ease the burden of some of these issues. And I’m one of those who is totally supportive of marijuana legalization to help with our roles, to help deal with some of these fiscal problems.

Steve Potter:
President Joe Biden recently signed into law new gun control measures. How would you address gun violence as a senator?

Darrel Williams:
I am not new to gun violence. I have seen that unfortunately children bring weapons to school and we have to deal with that. Fortunately, we haven’t had the mass shooting. But we have to make sure we have big plans in place. I am a person who believes in the right to bear arms, but I believe that there are too many guns in the hands of people who should not have them. It shouldn’t be so easy for kids to get guns. I don’t think kids need a semi-automatic gun to hunt deer, rabbits, or squirrels. I don’t think so. And I do think we need to make sure that the age goes up. I think we need gun safety. I don’t think an 18 year old can go buy a gun. I don’t think teachers need guns in schools. I don’t think administrators need guns inside schools. I understand that it is a very sensitive issue, but we have to do it and it requires a lot more discussion, but I don’t think we need them within our schools as well.

Steve Potter:
On a matter of confidence and elections, how would you reassure Wisconsin voters that they have confidence in the electoral system?

Darrel Williams:
We have to allow the people of Wisconsin to hear the voices of everyone on that ballot so they can make an informed decision. I’ve seen the results of the Marquette poll. And what happens is this. There are 48 there were 48% of people who said they don’t feel comfortable with people who necessarily stand out. And they are undecided on this particular point. That says there are 48% of voters who just don’t know right now. And the only way for them to know is if we give them the opportunity to hear the voices. And that is the fairest way for everyone to make an informed decision. I think that gives people an opportunity to build trust, I think that builds trust. Whether you have a million dollars or a dime, everyone has a vote and everyone wants their voice to count. Whether you live in the richest part of the River Hills or the poorest part of Iron County, they want your voice to count.

Steve Potter:
Senator Ron Johnson has been elected twice. Why are you the Democrat who can beat him in the November general election?

Darrel Williams:
What I discovered while traveling around the state of Wisconsin is that people want someone who really represents them. This is not about race. Sometimes it’s about class. Sometimes it’s just about wanting someone to do the right thing by Wisconsinites across the state. And that’s what it’s about. I don’t see everything in black and white, but I look at things and say what is right and what is wrong with this situation here. And that’s the approach I take every time I go all over this state.

Steve Potter:
Darrel Williams. Thank you very much for joining us.

Darrel Williams:
Sir thank you. It has been my honor and my pleasure.