David Earl Williams III is a dynamic figure whose life and career span military service, political activism, community service, and creative endeavors. Born on January 8, 1984, in Evanston, Illinois, David’s rich ancestry includes Black, Irish, Native American, French, German, British, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Southeast Asian heritage. Growing up in Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods of Rogers Park and Uptown, he was raised by his mother alongside two sisters and an older brother. Notably, he is related to the former Democratic Oklahoma State Senator Eugene E. “Gene” Stipe.
Early Education and Military Service
David’s educational journey began at Joseph Brennemann Elementary, followed by Louis B. Nettlehorst Elementary, and culminated at Nicholas Senn High School. At Senn, he was a distinguished member of the Academic Decathlon team, which achieved a historic advancement to the regional competition. Graduating with honors in 2002, he immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
David served as a Deck Seaman during the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later as a Logistics Specialist. Stationed on the U.S.S. Cowpens in Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan, he managed over $2 billion worth of aviation equipment and supervised more than 25 personnel. His service was recognized with eight decorations before he was honorably discharged in 2006.
Post-Military Education and Political Involvement
After his military service, David pursued higher education at Lethbridge College in Alberta, Canada, studying General Studies and Criminal Justice. During the 2008 U.S. Presidential election, he supported and voted for Barack Obama.
Returning to Evanston, Illinois, in 2010, David became active in the Chicago chapter of WeAreChange, a political activism group. He protested against corporatism and U.S. involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2014, David ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 9th District as a Republican, narrowly losing the primary. In 2018, he announced his candidacy for Alderman in Chicago’s 48th Ward as an Independent, securing 16.25% of the vote in the 2019 election. He also ran for Chicago’s 24th police district council in 2022.
Activism and Community Service
David’s commitment to activism is evident in his volunteer work with various political campaigns, including those of Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Lori Lightfoot, Andre Vasquez, Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden, Hoan Huynh, and Joe Dunne. He is also involved in disaster relief with Convoy of Hope, crisis intervention with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and pro-privacy efforts with Restore the Fourth. As an animal rights activist, he has worked to ban horse carriages in favor of pedicabs through the Chicago Alliance for Animals. Additionally, he founded the Chicago Missing Persons Guild, collaborating with the CPD Youth Investigation Division.
David has also served the veteran community through the American Legion of Morton Grove Post 134 and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1526. He was Co-Chairman of Unite America Chicago’s Chapter from 2019 to 2022.
Personal Interests and Creative Pursuits
A Prince Hall Freemason, David is affiliated with St. James Alpha 1 Lodge. He is an author of the LitRPG book series “VALOR TALE” and enjoys amateur voice-overs for YouTube parody series. His hobbies include working out, long-distance walking, swing dancing, video game music, and creating content with M.U.G.E.N. He is also a fan of red wine, vodka, and both cats and dogs.
David Earl Williams III embodies the qualities of a modern Renaissance man, with a broad spectrum of interests and a steadfast commitment to serving his community and country. For more information about David and his endeavors, visit his biography page (dewforpolitics.com).
David’s journey from a dedicated service member to an active community leader and creative artist highlights his versatility and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the world.
