Stockbridge’s youngest-ever mayor has spoken out after being removed from office, criticizing city officials following the sexting and spending controversies that ended his brief political career.
Jayden Williams, 23, served as mayor of the Georgia city for just 10 months after winning election in November 2025. He was impeached and ousted earlier this month after investigators found that he exchanged suggestive messages with an 18-year-old male student involved in his mentoring program and charged roughly $4,000 to a city credit card.
Among the purchases were about $200 at Academy Sports + Outdoors and $63 at a Polo Factory outlet, expenses Williams acknowledged, according to WSB.
The inquiry also uncovered a $322 Father’s Day restaurant bill. Williams initially said the charge covered gift cards, but receipts indicated the money had instead been spent on meals and soft drinks.
Williams, who had no previous elected-office experience before becoming mayor, said the city failed to properly explain how he was expected to document and report expenses.
“I take accountability for not asking the questions and doing my portion,” he said.
At the same time, Williams argued that city officials should have recognized he was a first-time mayor and guided him through the relevant procedures.
“That was never given to me,” he claimed.
He further maintained that the purchases were made from a $5,000 allowance intended to support the mayor, rather than from the city’s general operating funds.
Williams also addressed the messaging scandal involving a student he mentored. Although the program was not operated by or affiliated with the city of Stockbridge, the controversy became a major factor in his removal.
“There was no violation of the oath,” Williams said, adding, “I wasn’t even mayor yet.”
However, when WSB asked whether he believed the relationship had been inappropriate, he said he would “somewhat agree.”
“That’s why I stopped it immediately,” he added.
Williams was never criminally charged, and the student involved was 18 years old at the time.
Even so, Williams said he was shocked that elected officials, rather than voters, ultimately forced him from office.
“The only person I would have expected to take me out would have been the voters,” he said.
Some residents of Stockbridge had previously expressed sympathy for the former mayor as the allegations unfolded.
“He’s a very young individual, people are taking advantage of that. They’ve not tried to see his potential and what he has to offer,” resident Kristina Warren told Atlanta News First.
Williams’ attorney, Robert Kenner, also cautioned that the decision could carry broader consequences for local democracy.
“You will be setting a dangerous precedent by removing an elected official that the citizens of this city have duly elected,” Kenner warned.
A special election to replace Williams could be held in November or in March next year.
But Williams said he will remain active – despite not seeking a return to office.
“I’m never going to stop fighting for Stockbridge,” he said.
