When I travel the roads visiting Mississippians, one of the questions I’m most often asked by our youngest generation is, “What’s the biggest thing you can do to prepare for a career in politics?” Emphatically, I answer the same way every time: You better know what you believe.

From the time I can remember, my parents raised me on true conservative values—limited government, the right to life, free markets, that the states created the federal government and retained most of the power, and many more. In my household, these ideals weren’t just talking points, though my dad often had the news on the TV; they were lived out each and every day.

These principles were also the foundation for my tenure as a State Senator, from authoring the Fetal Protection Act and our state’s first illegal immigration law to fighting daily to limit government overreach and cut spending. Since taking office as your Secretary of State in 2020, I have worked diligently to instill the same conservative values in every decision made by our office. 

Fast forward to today. Being tapped to lead the Republican Secretaries of State Committee, I’m grateful for the values instilled in me at an early age. Because of this foundation, I am not only honored but eager to lead my Republican colleagues during this crucial period in our country.

From election integrity to reducing the regulatory burden on hard-working Americans, these conservative principles so important to Mississippians are now permeating through the federal government. 

This year, my team was asked by the Trump Administration to assemble a team of secretaries to share about the safeguards we have implemented in our elections process. In 2020, during President Trump’s first term, we were also invited to present on a White House call about our Tackle the Tape initiative which aims to reduce the regulatory burden in Mississippi. Having a president who prioritizes our efforts while soliciting feedback from me and my colleagues across the country is noteworthy and invigorating.

Our team has enjoyed seeing our work replicated across the country! More importantly, I hope Mississippians know they have a true conservative fighting for them at the Secretary of State’s Office and beyond.

MICHAEL WATSON
Secretary of State
State of Mississippi