Sonya Wimberly Hawkins

Sonya Wimberly Hawkins graduated from Lindblom Technical High School. Wimberly Hawkins earned a bachelor's degree from Saint Leo College and attended Southern University and A&M College. Wimberly Hawkins' career experience includes working as an entrepreneur.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Sonya Wimberly Hawkins is a community advocate, leader, and candidate for Georgia State Senate District 16. A proud 26-year resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, Sonya brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing everyday a lifelong commitment to doing something about them.

She holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science, which has shaped her understanding of social systems, public policy, and community advocacy.

Rooted in both her upbringing and lived experiences, Sonya has dedicated her life to showing up, speaking out, and advocating for those who are too often overlooked. Her commitment to public service began early, including volunteering as a college student during a historic gubernatorial race in Louisiana that underscored the importance of standing up for justice, democracy, and the power of the people’s voice.

Her campaign is focused on the issues that matter most to District 16: protecting voting rights, strengthening economic development, improving maternal health outcomes, and ensuring access to quality education. Sonya believes that every Georgian deserves access to quality healthcare, fair wages, real opportunity, and a voice that is never suppressed.

Sonya is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, the Fayette County Democrats, and is a voting member of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Through these affiliations, she remains deeply engaged in civic leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

In Georgia, voting is a fundamental right, but right now, that right is under pressure.

From mass voter challenges to restrictions on early voting, too many barriers are being placed between people and the ballot box. These policies disproportionately impact Black communities, working families, seniors, and young voters...the very people who deserve to be heard.

I believe every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot freely, safely, and without confusion or intimidation. This campaign is about more than winning a seat. It's about protecting the voice of the people. When we vote, we protect our schools, healthcare, the economy, and our future.Georgia already has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, and most of those deaths are preventable. Instead of investing in healthcare, expanding access, and protecting mothers, our leaders passed laws that make it harder for women to get care. I’m running because Georgia women deserve better. We deserve safe pregnancies and the right to make decisions about our own bodies. I will fight to expand Medicaid coverage, invest in maternal health infrastructure, and protect doctor/patient decision making. I will fight to take back our power as it belongs to the people.Right here in District 16, we have a serious problem. We’re not connecting education to opportunity. Our teachers are overworked and underpaid. Our students, especially those needing special education…aren’t getting the support they deserve. And too many young people are graduating without a clear path to a good-paying job. That’s not a people problem; that’s a policy failure.

As your State Senator, I’ll fight to invest in our teachers, fully fund our schools, expand career training, and build real pathways from the classroom to the workforce.

Because when we invest in education, we invest in the future of District 16.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Voting Rights, Maternal Health, and Education