Williams-Preston Explores Mayoral Candidacy

Local Common Councilwoman thinks about “Next Steps” for South Bend

South Bend, IN – Regina Williams-Preston, District 2’s Common Councilwoman and South Bend Community School Corporation teacher, has announced today she is forming a committee to explore a potential mayoral candidacy in the upcoming Democratic primary.

“As a civic leader and community organizer, I am always looking for ways to ensure that we live up to our highest values and that all residents benefit from decisions made by city leaders. The Racial Wealth Divide Report reminds us that too many in our community are still being left behind. It’s vitally important that our next mayor, not only build on outgoing Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s positive contributions to our city, but also leads the city in the next steps to a more inclusive economy.”

“We’ve assembled a strong team of community organizers, concerned citizens, and local progressives. I look forward totheir feedback in assessing a potential run for mayor and how we can help our city achieve its full potential through participatory and inclusive local government.”

About Regina Williams Preston

Regina Williams-Preston was born and raised on the northwest side of South Bend. She grew up on Olive Street, attended Holy Cross Elementary School and graduated from LaSalle High School. After an undergraduate education at Washington University in St. Louis, she ventured to the Bay Area where she was a trainer in cultural competency and helped to produce two nationally acclaimed documentaries on race in America. She returned to South Bend to put her skills to work in her hometown. She earned a master’s degree from IUSB and spent the last 19 years as a teacher on the west side at Harrison Primary and Navarre Intermediate and advocating for families, children, teachers, and public education all throughout the district. She is currently President of the Board of the Community Forum for Economic Justice,  an active member of NEA South Bend, and serves the community in many organizations including Community Action for Education (CAFE) and as South Bend Common Council Representative for District 2. Williams-Preston was awarded the SBCSC Teacher of Year, Special Honors Group in 2010 and the MLK Rosa Parks Lifetime Achievement award in 2014.