Donald E. Williams Jr. (born July 1, 1957) was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in a special election in 1993. Prior to his service in the State Senate, he served two terms as the First Selectman for the town of Thompson. In July 2004, Senator Williams was elected to serve as the President Pro Tempore, the highest-ranking legislator in the Connecticut General Assembly. He was reelected to this post five times, in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013.