Michael Watson
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Michael Watson is Mississippi’s 36th Secretary of State. Since taking the oath of office in 2020, Secretary Watson has launched numerous initiatives and expanded existing efforts. From strengthening the integrity of Mississippi’s elections process through legislation, to reducing the regulatory burden on businesses with the award-winning Tackle the Tape initiative and safeguarding the state’s natural resources through the assembly of the Conservation Task Force. Prior to taking office as Secretary of State, Watson served three terms in the State Senate, where he represented District 51 in Jackson County.
A graduate of Pascagoula High School and the University of Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a law degree, Watson began his work in public service as an intern for then U.S. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott in the summer of 1999. Born and raised in Mississippi. Michael is a husband to his loving wife Lauren, father of three beautiful young daughters, the son of a shipyard worker and bank teller.