Leonardo Williams

Leonardo Williams (born 1980 or 1981) is an American politician, restaurateur, and former educator. He has served as the mayor of Durham, North Carolina since December 4, 2023. Prior to his term as mayor, Williams was a member of the Durham City Council. He and his wife, Zwelibanzi Moyo Williams, own multiple restaurants in Durham including the first full-service Zimbabwean restaurant in the United States.

Early life and education Williams was born in 1980 or 1981. He grew up in Halifax County, North Carolina.

Williams represented Ward 3 as a member of the Durham City Council from 2021 to 2023. According to a story published by Indy Week, Williams and Mayor Elaine O'Neal were both allegedly punched by Councilwoman DeDreana Freeman on March 23, 2023, when trying to restrain her during an argument between Freeman and Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton in the council chambers.

He won the 2023 Durham mayoral election and assumed office on December 4. He is one of the youngest mayors in Durham's history.

Education and business Williams worked as a school teacher and school administrator. He also served as the band director at Southern High School.

Personal life Williams is married to Zwelibanzi Moyo Williams, a chef whom he met in college. Williams denied the allegation.