Nikema Williams’ husband calls her “the Lorax” — the Dr. Seuss character who defends trees against logging — because he says she’s willing to speak up for whoever needs it, especially those on the margins of society. She seeks to carry on the work of her mentor and predecessor in the Atlanta-based 5th Congressional District, the late civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis (D). Williams focused on voting rights while she was in the Georgia statehouse and plans to make the issue a top priority in Congress. Williams also worked for Planned Parenthood Southeast as vice president for public policy.