Priscilla Williams Till: A choice for real change

By Angela Buckner

JA Contributing Writer

In a state where Democrats are flipping seats, Priscilla Williams Till’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate presents voters a choice for real change.

For those unfamiliar with her story, Till is a Jackson native, mother of five, and graduate of Lanier High School, Jackson State University, and Belhaven University. She brings more than two decades of experience in education, public health, and community service. 

Till began her public service with AmeriCorps VISTA in the City of Jackson. She also served as Project Coordinator for Community Health Workers at the School of Public Health, where she worked under the guidance of Dr. Aaron Shirley, the first Black pediatrician in Mississippi. In 2012, Supervisor Kenneth Stokes appointed Till to the Hinds County Human Resource Agency Board, representing District 5.

In 2016, she joined Jackson Public Schools as an assistant teacher working with children with special needs and later transitioned into teaching Sociology. Through this work, Till gained firsthand insight into the challenges facing students and working families, inspiring her to champion initiatives that bridge education, health, and economic development.

As the founder of the Emmett Till Justice for Families Foundation, Till has amplified the voices of families seeking fairness and healing. She also has served as a mentor with the Forward Lookers Federation Club, and as a preceptor for doctoral students, highlighting her commitment to developing future leaders in healthcare.

Till explains that her campaign centers on economic justice and accountability, stating: “I am running for the United States Senate because I believe in fairness, opportunity, and justice for every Mississippian. For too long, hardworking families, teachers, and everyday folks in our state have been left behind. … And when it comes to justice, we cannot remain silent. We need independent oversight committees to make sure our law enforcement and public safety officials are held accountable. Too many lives have been lost; victims of human trafficking, kidnapping, and deaths in custody. Too many stories like Emmett Till still echo in our communities today. It’s time for a justice system that is transparent, accountable, and truly serves the people. This campaign is about Mississippi’s people, not politics. It’s about giving teachers, families, and communities the support they deserve, and making sure justice is more than a word, it’s a promise.”

Till is seeking to win enough votes during the March 10 Democratic Party primary to advance to the general election. Also vying for the privilege to serve as the Democratic Party’s candidate during the November election are Albert Little and Scott Colom. 

Should Till garner enough votes on March 10, she will face incumbent U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. Hyde-Smith is the Republican Party’s candidate. Hyde-Smith initially was appointed to the position, and then elected. Her tenure has been marked by controversy. Many Mississippians are calling for change. 

Till maintains her grassroots movement focused on people over politics is that real change voters seek. She hopes her authenticity, community trust build over decades of services, and strong voter turnout on March 10 will make her the successful contender in the Democratic primary – and beyond. 

Election day is Tuesday, March 10, 2026.