I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Ohio State Representative Josh Williams for a truly inspiring conversation. As a Buckeye, it was significant to connect with someone who's overcome so much in the incredible state of Ohio. Josh is running as the Republican candidate for Ohio's 9th Congressional District, and he shared his remarkable journey with me—one that resonates deeply with anyone who believes in hard work and merit, in a world where that is increasingly sparse.
Growing up in inner-city Toledo, Josh faced unimaginable hardships from an early age. He lost his father to cancer when he was just five, leaving his single mother to raise him amid constant financial struggles. As an honor roll student, dropping out of high school at 18 was the last thing he expected, but homelessness forced his hand. He opened up about those tough nights on park benches or friends' couches, not knowing where his next meal would come from. "It was all about survival back then," he shared with quiet resolve, highlighting the inner strength that carried him through.
Things shifted when he met the mother of his son, though they ended up in a cramped house with over a dozen people. Seeking stability, Josh started working as a railroad subcontractor. But at 21, a 30-foot fall from a railcar upended his life. After a year of pain, he woke up one morning unable to feel his legs and needed emergency back surgery to prevent permanent paralysis. By 23, he was disabled and his weight had reached 450 pounds, plunging him into a period of deep despair. Yet, with faith and sheer determination, he turned things around—enduring multiple surgeries, including spinal stabilization and weight loss procedures that helped him lose 200 pounds.
In his late 20s, Josh re-entered the workforce but encountered bureaucratic hurdles when pursuing education. He fought through it and, at 30, enrolled at the University of Toledo, graduating from law school by 35. Now a practicing attorney and constitutional law professor at Adrian College, he uses his experiences to guide others past similar obstacles.
We also delved into bigger issues, like what Josh calls "Democratic racism," drawing from his own path as a Black man who's made history as the first Black Republican elected to the Ohio House in 50 years and the first Black Majority Whip ever. "It's about real opportunities for all, not empty words," he explained, pushing for policies that unite and uplift rather than divide.
Today, living in Sylvania Township with his wife Neaira, Josh is driven to bring authentic leadership to Washington. "By God's grace, I've gone from homeless dropout to the statehouse," he told me. "I want to make sure everyone gets that same opportunity to rise."
In a world where entitlement, laziness, and leeches run rampant, Josh is a lion.
He pushed through some of the most difficult hardships one can imagine, but instead of playing the victim or demanding pity, he turned his troubles into an opportunity. He used his setback not as a crutch, but as a launch pad, and he has since taken off towards greatness.
That is the mentality that has propelled our nation to greatness. The idea that no one has earned anything, but with valiance and fortitude, you can achieve anything.
Mr. Williams is a magnificent reminder of these values and their enduring effectiveness. It is refreshing to see another patriot running for office with faith, benevolence, and grit on his side. I wish him the best of luck and will be rooting for him come next November.