By Joseph E. Green-Bishop
Texas Metro News Correspondent
One of the brightest stars in the Connecticut General Assembly, and one of its most admired political leaders was killed in an automobile accident on Thursday when his car was struck by a driver going in the wrong direction on a state road.
State Representative Quentin Williams was driving home from an inaugural ball, celebrating the start of the state’s legislative session when he was killed. He was 39 years old.
Admired throughout the state as an effective and amicable legislator, Rep. Williams, a member of the Democratic Party, was considered someone who would one day win a seat in Congress, or even be elected to serve in the White House. His colleagues and those who knew him respectfully addressed him as “Q.”
When news of his death reached Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, he ordered that all state flags be flown at half-staff. Law-makers in Hartford cancelled all official government meetings scheduled for Thursday and Friday. “I am incredibly saddened. He was a genuine person with a genuine soul,” the governor said.
“Q was a young brother full of promise who had an unparalleled commitment to community service,” said the Rev. Tommie Jackson, pastor of Rehoboth Fellowship Church in Stamford, Connecticut. “He believed in serving people, and in elevating them and their communities. He was a selfless warrior for justice.”
Connecticut’s Attorney General, William Tong, called Rep. Williams an encouraging and hopeful leader. “He had a spirit that was relentlessly positive and aspirational. We need his light more than ever, and that is why it is so hard to lose him.”
Elected to the General Assembly in 2019, Rep. Williams was about to commence his third legislative session. He was sworn into office the day before the accident and he had just been appointed to chair the Labor and Public Employees Committee in the General Assembly.
A native of Middleton, Rep.Williams was raised by his mother, Queen, in public housing in his hometown. After graduating from high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bryant University, and a master’s degree in public administration from Villanova University. Prior to becoming a state legislator, he served as treasurer for the city of Middleton, and led the Planning and Zoning Commission there.
“I was so proud of him and his incredible accomplishments,” said State Senator Matthew Lesser, who represents Middleton in the General Assembly. “And I held so much hope for what he was yet to do.”
In addition to his mother, Rep. Williams is survived by his wife, Carrissa.
