North Columbus News

Representative Josh Williams, a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, posted a series of statements on his social media account on August 22, 2025. The posts addressed historical and contemporary issues of race in American politics and highlighted support for his ongoing campaign.

In one post published at 00:33 UTC, Williams wrote, "We won’t go back to the Southern Democrat view that Black people are less than — that they own our bodies and our minds. We won’t go back to the Fugitive Slave Laws, the Black Codes, the convict leasing, the segregation, and the redlining — all pushed, promoted, and implemented".

Shortly after, at 00:33 UTC on August 22, Williams continued with another statement: "The harsh truth: the most racism I’ve faced has come from white liberals. Their “stay in your place” mentality is always their response when a Black person escapes the Democrat plantation. Now we see evidence they’re returning to their open KKK Southern Democrat roots."

Later that day at 16:16 UTC, Williams shifted focus to his campaign activities by acknowledging support from a political ally: "Grateful to have @JRMajewski, a true MAGA patriot & the former Republican nominee for OH-9, standing with our campaign. We’re united to fire Marcy Kaptur once and for all. https://t.co/sXFviFBXJQ"

Historically, policies such as Fugitive Slave Laws and Black Codes were enacted during and after slavery in America to restrict the rights of Black Americans. Convict leasing was a practice used primarily in Southern states following Reconstruction that disproportionately affected African Americans through forced labor systems. Redlining refers to discriminatory housing practices in which minority communities were denied loans or insurance based on racial composition.

Josh Williams is currently serving as a state representative in Ohio's legislature.