PRCC Hosts Secretary of State Michael Watson
(Picayune Item) – Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson visited Pearl River Community College’s Poplarville Campus on Thursday, Nov. 13, meeting with Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute students, who held a voter registration drive, and addressing community members and local leaders at Lunch and Learn. Watson is in his second term, serving as the 36th Secretary of State for Mississippi.
Speaking to honors students, Watson traced his personal and professional journey, starting with his youthful aspiration to become a garbage collector. By fifth grade, his goal had shifted to entering public service, a dream he first wrote about for a parents’ night at school. His mother responded that he could be anything he wanted to be in life if he did two things: keep God first and work as hard as you can.
Watson shared his path into public service, beginning with the decision to intern at a local law firm, which led to a student worker position with the Chancellor at Ole Miss and ultimately an internship with U. S. Senator Trent Lott. While he began practicing law in south Mississippi upon passing the bar, he awaited an opportunity for public service. Through strong faith, incremental goals, and outworking obstacles, Watson secured a surprising 51st district state Senate win over a 16-year incumbent, taking office in 2008 and serving three terms.
“When you’ve got a dream and you feel peace about it, give it everything you’ve got, even if no one else thinks you can do it,” said Watson.
Former Gov. Phil Bryant planted a seed in Watson’s heart to consider running for Secretary of State. Yet again, he faced odds that many said were against him only to end up victorious. Those experiences have led to Watson encouraging students at all stages to dream big, work hard, and give back to their communities.
“Don’t believe the national narrative — there are phenomenal things happening in Mississippi that I want you to stay and be a part of,” said Watson.
Addressing local leaders and community members, Watson provided an overview of the Secretary of State’s office: elections, business/regulatory services, and public lands.
Sign up for our daily email newsletter Get the latest news sent to your inbox Watson highlighted improvements in Mississippi’s election integrity ranking (from 26th to 11th nationally), a success that brought national recognition and a White House invitation to lead discussions with other state secretaries about policy improvements. He championed accountability, urging citizens to hold public officials responsible and to feel empowered in engaging their government. Watson recounted stories illustrating his accessibility as an official and expressed continuing commitment to cutting “red tape” and advancing conservation across Mississippi.
“It isn’t just me; it’s a huge team of people who love Mississippi and are proud to serve you,” said Watson. “When we start believing in ourselves, that wears off on other people around us, and that’s how Mississippi grows and gets better.” Marie Willoughby, vice president of Poplarville Main Street, provided updates on recent and upcoming events. Sponsors for the lunch and learn were Coast Electric, Hancock Whitney, Mississippi Power, and Wells Insurance, LLC.
Michael Watson is serving his second term as Mississippi’s Secretary of State, following three impactful terms in the Mississippi Senate. A Pascagoula native and proud graduate of the University of Mississippi with both a BBA and JD, Watson’s commitment to public service began as an intern for U.S. Senator Trent Lott. That early experience solidified his calling to improve the state’s quality of life through servant leadership and unwavering integrity.
Throughout his career, Watson has championed election security reforms, reduced regulatory barriers for businesses through his award-winning “Tackle the Tape” initiative, and prioritized the stewardship of natural resources by assembling the state’s Conservation Task Force. Recognized for his consistent ethics and servant’s mindset, Watson’s journey from the son of a preacher to a statewide leader is marked by an authentic dedication to investing in Mississippians, expanding opportunities for students and workers, and strengthening the foundations of good government across the state.