What is your name?

Viola Davis

Tell us more about yourself.

Viola Davis, a distinguished state representative and co-founder of Unhappy Taxpayer and Voter, brings a rich history of advocacy and leadership. Her commitment to civil rights began early in her life as a litigant in Brown vs. Board of Education, driving her dedication to equity and justice. As a state representative, she staunchly advocates for constituents in DeKalb County, serving on committees like Insurance, Urban Affairs, and Defense and Veterans Affairs. Davis continues to be an active voice for marginalized communities, drawing on her diverse background as a critical care nurse, military officer and business owner. She serves you!

What office are you running for?

State Representative, District 87

What is your party affiliation?

Democrat

Attach a photo of yourself

Attach your resume or CV.

Where did you go to school?

Viola Davis graduated from two high schools to include Highland Park High in Topeka, Kansas, and Beach High in Savannah, Georgia. She graduated from both high schools with honors. She graduated from the Medical College of Georgia with honors and a B.S.N.

Provide the link to your campaign website.

https://www.violadavis.com

What is your job/occupation?

Critical care nurse and community missionary

What city/neighborhood do you live in?

Stone Mountain

Is this your first time running for office?

No

What experiences have best prepared you to hold elected office?

I served my local county and community as a advocate/activist, organizer and educator, government watchdog, and community missionary. I served my country through military service and training, first as an enlisted soldier and finally as an officer with Airborne training. These experiences that span over 20 years help prepare me to serve under the Gold Dome.

What would be your top priority upon winning office?

My top priorities encompass education, economic development and the environment. This includes fully funding our educational system, evidenced by prioritizing transportation and supporting students living in poverty. Economic development initiatives focus on eliminating medical, banking, and grocery deserts. Regarding the environment, I advocate for South DeKalb to receive priority status, with a definite timeline and date for eliminating sewage spills which is the same for North DeKalb.

What actions would you take to enhance government transparency and trust in government?

To bolster government transparency and foster trust, I've authored three critical pieces of legislation: 1. House Bill 167 enhances access to public information and meetings for state government, significantly increasing fines for non-compliance with the Open Records Act to $10,00. 2. HB 758 extends the purview of the Open Records Act to the Georgia General Assembly, ensuring accountability across all branches. 3. HB 402 introduces the Georgia Anti-Corruption Act, further strengthening measures to combat corruption and uphold integrity in our government. I will refile these pieces of legislation in the 2025-2026 Session.

Do you believe Georgia elections are secure and what additional security measures can be taken?

The evidence indisputably confirms the security of the [2020] presidential election, with no significant issues resulting in [Donald] Trump’s loss. However, despite minimal public demand, QR codes were removed to enhance election security. Regrettably, Senate Bill 189, which was hastily passed, banned QR codes and imposed stringent requirements on presidential ballot access. These requirements, including residency conditions, could disenfranchise homeless veterans. Thus, I voted against SB 189, prioritizing the protection of voting rights for those who served our nation. I will continue to fight for fellow veterans and for their rights to votes.

What is government's responsibility to ensure affordable housing?

To promote affordable housing, the government incentivizes construction and development via tax credits and low-interest loans. There are grants that aid in homeownership. To enhance these programs, we propose adjusting requirements to qualify: at least 40-50% of developments must offer units classified as affordable or workforce housing. Additionally, rental units should be made affordable through rental control for development that uses government assistance. Our elderly must be protected from being taxed into homelessness through a legacy property tax protection plan. This will address critical housing needs in our communities.

Do you believe public access to public records is sufficient in your jurisdiction and, if not, what steps do you support to remedy that?

Public access to public documents is insufficient. As stated prior, I drafted legislation to increase government transparency and accountability to include two critical pieces of legislation: 1. House Bill 167 enhances access to public information and meetings for State Government, significantly increasing fines for non-compliance with the Open Records Act to $10,00. 2. HB 758 extends the purview of the Open Records Act to the Georgia General Assembly, ensuring accountability across all branches. I will refile these pieces of legislation in the 2025-2026 Session.