Leon Williams (politician)

Leon Williams
Official portrait, 1969
Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors
In office
January 5, 1990  January 5, 1991
Preceded bySusan Golding
Succeeded byJohn MacDonald
In office
January 5, 1985  January 5, 1986
Preceded byTom Hamilton
Succeeded byPaul Eckert
Member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for the 4th district
In office
December 20, 1982  1994
Preceded byJim Bates
Succeeded byRon Roberts
Member of the San Diego City Council from the 4th district
In office
January 7, 1969  December 20, 1982
Preceded byTom Hom
Succeeded byWilliam Jones
Personal details
Born(1922-07-21)July 21, 1922
Oklahoma, U.S.
DiedMarch 1, 2025(2025-03-01) (aged 102)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseMargaret Jackson Williams (d. 2016)
Children10
EducationSan Diego State University (B.A.)

Leon Lawson Williams (July 21, 1922 – March 1, 2025) was an American politician. He served as a member of the San Diego City Council starting from 1969 to 1982. He also was elected as a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors for three terms from 1982 to 1994, chairing the board in 1985 and 1990. He was the first Black person elected to these positions. Dubbed "Mr. San Diego" by the San Diego Rotary Club, he has been described as having left one of "the most significant legacies in San Diego's history", prioritizing civil rights and equitable development in San Diego.