Williamson, Marianne, 1952-

Marianne Deborah Williamson (born July 8, 1952) is an American self-help author, speaker, and political activist. She began her professional career as a spiritual leader of the Church of Today, a Unity Church in Warren, Michigan. Williamson has written several self-help books, including A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles in 1992, which became a New York Times Best Seller. She rose to prominence through frequent appearances on Oprah Winfrey's show, and becoming known as her "spiritual advisor". Williamson ran unsuccessfully as an independent for California's 33rd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives in 2014, finishing fourth with 13.2% of the vote. She ran for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020, eventually dropping out and endorsing Bernie Sanders. She ran for president again in 2024, challenging incumbent President Joe Biden. After having suspended and restarted her campaign, Williamson ended her longshot White House bid in July 2024. She unsuccessfully campaigned for the position of DNC chair in 2025. Williamson has been actively involved with charity work, founding such organizations as Center for Living in 1987, Project Angel Food in 1989, and the Peace Alliance in 1998. Allegations of abusive and bullying behavior toward both colleagues and staff have followed her throughout her career.