MICHAEL WATSON
May 28, 2021: Jackson Free Press: Mississippi Official Won't Challenge Court on Initiatives
Mississippi’s top elections official said Thursday that he will not ask the state Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that invalidated the state’s initiative process and overturned a medical marijuana initiative that voters approved in November.
Secretary of State Michael Watson said that, instead, he wants Gov. Tate Reeves to call legislators into special session to revive both issues. Reeves has not said whether he will do so. Both men are Republicans.
Mississippi’s top elections official said Thursday that he will not ask the state Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that invalidated the state’s initiative process and overturned a medical marijuana initiative that voters approved in November.
Secretary of State Michael Watson said that, instead, he wants Gov. Tate Reeves to call legislators into special session to revive both issues. Reeves has not said whether he will do so. Both men are Republicans.
June 16, 2016: Gulf Live: Jackson County Legislators receive an "A" on 2016 Education Report Card
Senators Michael Watson and Brice Wiggins, along with Representatives Manly Barton, Charles Busby, Jeff Guice, John Read, and Hank Zuber received an "A" on Empower Mississippi's 2016 Education Report Card, which grades every member of the legislature on key school choice and education reform votes from the past legislative session.
Senators Michael Watson and Brice Wiggins, along with Representatives Manly Barton, Charles Busby, Jeff Guice, John Read, and Hank Zuber received an "A" on Empower Mississippi's 2016 Education Report Card, which grades every member of the legislature on key school choice and education reform votes from the past legislative session.
June 8, 2016: WXXV: Coasts Legislators ‘Appalled’ at BP Money Spending
Senator Michael Watson says what is happening with that money is “appalling.” Watson told the crowd at today’s Jackson County Republic Club meeting that a number of bond items for our area that were supposed to be paid by the state are now slated to be paid for with money out of the state’s BP fund.
Senator Michael Watson says what is happening with that money is “appalling.” Watson told the crowd at today’s Jackson County Republic Club meeting that a number of bond items for our area that were supposed to be paid by the state are now slated to be paid for with money out of the state’s BP fund.
May 19, 2016: SuperTalk: State Senator Michael Watson Sounds Off on Obama’s Transgender Directive
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Mar 15, 2016: NewsMs: Increased gas tax could mean better roads
However, State Senator Michael Watson isn’t so sure about the gas tax. “It sounds like if you breathe air, you’re going to be taxed,” he says. Watson adds that other things could have been done in order to prevent having to raise the gas tax to improve infrastructure Feb 24, 2016: Hattiesburg American: Senators barely pass plan raising reading requirements
“We’re going to codify a specific vendor?” asked Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula. “This would exempt them from a (request for proposals) moving forward.” 
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Jan 25, 2016: Gulf Live: Local state senators appointed to committee chairman posts
Republican Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula has been appointed chairman of the Environmental Protect, Conservation and Resources committee. Watson represents District 51 in Jackson County.
Republican Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula has been appointed chairman of the Environmental Protect, Conservation and Resources committee. Watson represents District 51 in Jackson County.
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Oct 22, 2015: Gulf Live: Legislators trade law books for text books to serve as `Principal for a Day' in OS schools
Sen. Brice Wiggins served at Ocean Springs High School, Rep. Charles Busby at Ocean Springs Middle School, Sen. Michael Watson at Ocean Springs Upper Elementary, Rep. Hank Zuber at Magnolia Park Elementary, Rep. John Read at Oak Park Elementary and Jackson County Chancery Court Judge Neil Harris, filling in for Rep. Jeff Guice, served at Pecan Park Elementary. Aug 4, 2015: WJTV: The Latest: Many incumbent lawmakers clear path to new terms
Among House Republicans moving toward another term were Jeff Guice of Ocean Springs, Greg Haney of Gulfport, Joey Hood of Ackerman, John Moore of Brandon, Ken Morgan of Morgantown and John Read of Gautier. In the state Senate, Sean Tindell of Gulfport and Will Longwitz of Madison each turned back tea party-backed challengers, while tea party favorite Michael Watson of Pascagoula beat back an upset bid by a more establishment Republican. 
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Mar 16, 2015: Mississippi PEP: PLUNKETT: Political Establishment: Who us, worried? We’re not worried. Do we look worried?
To read all the recent ink spilled over Sen. Chris McDaniel, Sen. Michael Watson and Sen. Melanie Sojourner one might think they were expected to launch a coup d’etat of all state government in Mississippi . 
Apr 24, 2015: Michael Watson: Clarion Ledger: Watson: Gov. Bryant was right to veto Common Core bill
Mar 16, 2015: Jackson Free Press: Analysis: Influence of Senate Conservative Coalition Wanes
Reeves served two terms as state treasurer before defeating longtime state Sen. Billy Hewes of Gulfport in a contentious Republican primary for lieutenant governor in 2011. Hewes took the unusual step of announcing who would be on his leadership team if he were elected, and the list included McDaniel and Republican Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula as chairmen of powerful Senate committees. |
Mar 12, 2015: Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance: 11 Bad Bills: Anti-immigrant and xenophobic; All “DEAD”
SB 2706--Sen Michael Watson, R, Pascagoula “Employment Protection Act”
SB 2706--Sen Michael Watson, R, Pascagoula “Employment Protection Act”
Mar 10, 2015: Southern Political Report: Mississippi Democrats set for another shellacking
Of interest: Two prominent Tea Party lawmakers, state Sens. Chris McDaniel and Michael Watson, failed to run for statewide office and instead filed for reelection. Thus, any momentum the GOP’s hard-right may have gained in last year’s US Senate election will, for the time being, dissipate. McDaniel, who lost a close 2014 race against US Sen. Thad Cochran (R), has hinted that he may run for federal office again, where his issues have more salience. One possibility: McDaniel might challenge US Rep. Steven Palazzo (R) in the Republican Primary next year in the 4th District (Gulfport, etc.).
Of interest: Two prominent Tea Party lawmakers, state Sens. Chris McDaniel and Michael Watson, failed to run for statewide office and instead filed for reelection. Thus, any momentum the GOP’s hard-right may have gained in last year’s US Senate election will, for the time being, dissipate. McDaniel, who lost a close 2014 race against US Sen. Thad Cochran (R), has hinted that he may run for federal office again, where his issues have more salience. One possibility: McDaniel might challenge US Rep. Steven Palazzo (R) in the Republican Primary next year in the 4th District (Gulfport, etc.).
Mar 9, 2015: Sun Herald: Senate sends bill banning texting while driving to governor
Three Republican senators — Chris McDaniel of Ellisville, Angela Hill of Picayune and Michael Watson of Pascagoula, voted against the bill Monday. They say that the bill would allow police officers to pull people over at any time claiming they believed someone was looking at a cellphone.
Three Republican senators — Chris McDaniel of Ellisville, Angela Hill of Picayune and Michael Watson of Pascagoula, voted against the bill Monday. They say that the bill would allow police officers to pull people over at any time claiming they believed someone was looking at a cellphone.
Mar 4, 2015: Sun Herald: Baria says he has better idea for helping Mississippi's special needs kids
Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and an author if the ESA bill, said he'd rather empower parents.
Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and an author if the ESA bill, said he'd rather empower parents.
Mar 1, 2015: Mississippi Conservative Daily: Mississippi GOP Establishment Jabs McDaniel, Insults Tea Party Over LG Race
The Republican Establishment in Mississippi is downright gleeful, or so they say, over the fact that neither Chris McDaniel nor Michael Watson jumped in the Lieutenant Governor’s race to challenge Tate Reeves. But are they happy, or relieved?
The Republican Establishment in Mississippi is downright gleeful, or so they say, over the fact that neither Chris McDaniel nor Michael Watson jumped in the Lieutenant Governor’s race to challenge Tate Reeves. But are they happy, or relieved?
Feb 26, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Watson running for re-election, not higher office
Watson on Thursday, day before the deadline, qualified for re-election to his Senate District 51 seat in Jackson County he's held for two terms.
Watson on Thursday, day before the deadline, qualified for re-election to his Senate District 51 seat in Jackson County he's held for two terms.
Feb 10, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Autism insurance bill passes Senate floor
Joining McDaniel in voting against the measure were Republican Sens. Eugene Clarke, R-Hollandale, Angela Hill, R-Picayune, Tony Smith, R-Poplarville, Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, and Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula.
Joining McDaniel in voting against the measure were Republican Sens. Eugene Clarke, R-Hollandale, Angela Hill, R-Picayune, Tony Smith, R-Poplarville, Melanie Sojourner, R-Natchez, and Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula.
Jan 29, 2015: Tenth Amendment Center: Mississippi Bill Would Help Stop How NSA Uses Some of its Data
Introduced by State Sen. Michael Watson, Senate Bill 2429 (SB2429) would require government agencies to get a search warrant before obtaining the location information of an electronic device, with limited exceptions, one of which would be if the owner reported it stolen.
Introduced by State Sen. Michael Watson, Senate Bill 2429 (SB2429) would require government agencies to get a search warrant before obtaining the location information of an electronic device, with limited exceptions, one of which would be if the owner reported it stolen.
Jan 23, 2015: Daily Journal: House approves renaming Common Core
And Tea Party Republican senators like Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, have said that they would not support simply changing the name or “a rebranding” of Common Core.
And Tea Party Republican senators like Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, and Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, have said that they would not support simply changing the name or “a rebranding” of Common Core.
Jan 19, 2015: Gulf Live: State Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula files bill to repeal Common Core, form advisory board
Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, filed a bill Monday night that he co-authored with Sen. Angela Burks Hill, R-Picayune, aimed at a full repeal Common Core standards and form an advisory board to come up with new educational guidelines for the state.
Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, filed a bill Monday night that he co-authored with Sen. Angela Burks Hill, R-Picayune, aimed at a full repeal Common Core standards and form an advisory board to come up with new educational guidelines for the state.
Jan 13, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Gunn introduces bill to kill Common Core
State. Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, said Mississippi can adopt standards from states like California and Massachusetts, whose pre-Common Core math and English standards he said exceeded those included in the national version.
State. Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, said Mississippi can adopt standards from states like California and Massachusetts, whose pre-Common Core math and English standards he said exceeded those included in the national version.
Jan 15, 2015: Z-Mississippi: Sen Michael Watson Questions Mississippi Board of Education Statements
Jan 5, 2015: Breitbart: Mississippi’s Chris McDaniel: Oust Boehner
McDaniel’s conservative ally in the state senate, Sen. Michael Watson, already called on Rep. Steven Palazzo to vote for a Republican alternative to Boehner.
McDaniel’s conservative ally in the state senate, Sen. Michael Watson, already called on Rep. Steven Palazzo to vote for a Republican alternative to Boehner.
Jan 5, 2015: Breitbart: MS State Sen. Michael Watson: Rep. Steven Palazzo Should Vote Against Boehner For Speaker
Conservative Mississippi state Sen. Michael Watson is calling on U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, his congressman, to vote for one of the Republican alternatives to Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) for Speaker of the House on Tuesday.
Conservative Mississippi state Sen. Michael Watson is calling on U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, his congressman, to vote for one of the Republican alternatives to Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) for Speaker of the House on Tuesday.
Dec 13, 2014: Weidie Report: Taxpayer Flight to Political Event?
Others on the flight included State Treasurer Lynn Fitch, two Hosemann staffers, Cory Wilson, who is running for the legislature next year and works for Fitch, and even more interesting, State Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, who had driven to North Mississippi with two staffers earlier in the day for insurance department business, flew back to Jackson on the plane for the return trip only.
Others on the flight included State Treasurer Lynn Fitch, two Hosemann staffers, Cory Wilson, who is running for the legislature next year and works for Fitch, and even more interesting, State Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula. State Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney, who had driven to North Mississippi with two staffers earlier in the day for insurance department business, flew back to Jackson on the plane for the return trip only.
Dec 1, 2014: Mississippi Conservative Daily: It Begins: Lt. Governor Tate Reeves Flip Flops on Common Core
Leaders like Senator Michael Watson, Senator Angela Hill, Senator Melanie Sojourner and all of our coalition members have taken our message to the people across Mississippi and we have shown time after time that this is another federal scheme in a long line of federal schemes. Mississippi parents and Mississippi educators can do better.
Sept 20, 2014: DeSoto Times Tribune: Common Core shortcomings aired
Two state senators opposed to Common Core were among presenters who spoke about the issue at the forum held Thursday night. They were State Sen. Michael Watson (R-Pascagoula) and State Sen. Angela Hill (R-Picayune).
Leaders like Senator Michael Watson, Senator Angela Hill, Senator Melanie Sojourner and all of our coalition members have taken our message to the people across Mississippi and we have shown time after time that this is another federal scheme in a long line of federal schemes. Mississippi parents and Mississippi educators can do better.
Sept 20, 2014: DeSoto Times Tribune: Common Core shortcomings aired
Two state senators opposed to Common Core were among presenters who spoke about the issue at the forum held Thursday night. They were State Sen. Michael Watson (R-Pascagoula) and State Sen. Angela Hill (R-Picayune).
Sept 15, 2014: Biloxi Sun Herald: Sen. Watson says he'll continue attacks against Common Core
State Sen. Michael Watson talked about education, road and bridge spending, marijuana and the lack of civic involvement at a town hall attended by a half-dozen people at the East Central Community Center in Hurley.
Sept 15, 2014: Gulf Live: State Sen. Michael Watson conducting town hall meeting tonight in Hurley
State Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, will hold a town hall meeting tonight at 6:30 here at the East Central Community Center on Miss. 614.
Aug 5, 2014: Gulf Live: 7 Jackson, George County legislators get A rankings for pro-business votes
Seven local legislators have received an "A" for their efforts in pro-business legislation from Mississippi's Business and Political Education Committee, according to the groups report card from the 2013 session. Receiving As in the House were Reps. Manly Barton, Charles Busby, Hank Zuber, John Read and Doug McLeod. Sens. Brice Wiggins and Michael Watson also received top rankings.
July 26, 2014: Biloxi Sun Herald: McDaniel's main man: Michael Watson key in campaign, legal fight
Jackson County state senator a key player in McDaniel campaign, legal fight
July 19, 2014: Biloxi Sun Herald: PAUL HAMPTON: Truth, justice and the American why
But they weren't through. After the cost of the plant continued to increase, the Legislature -- with votes of McDaniel, Watson and campaign manager Melanie Sojourner -- approved a plan to let Mississippi Power borrow up to $1 billion to be repaid by (drum roll) the customers.
July 18, 2014: Super Talk Mississippi: Senator Michael Watson on the Non News Conference
The McDaniel Camp held a so called news conference on Wednesday. We felt like it was a bunch of the same ole rhetoric that everyone already knew. Sen. Michael Watson called in to set the record straight.July 17 2014: Mississippi Watchdog: Lawyers for MS U.S. Senate candidate say fight for seat far from over
“We’re doing a full examination of election material,” Watson said. “It’s a look under the hood at the election process in Mississippi. You can’t get to a challenge without a full examination of the election materials. If Chris doesn’t find enough evidence to support this challenge, he won’t do it.”
July 7, 2014: Z-News Mississippi: Sunlight Foundation: Only Angela Hill & Michael Watson are more conservative than Chris McDaniel
McDaniel, according to an analysis that compares his votes to those of others in the Mississippi’s Senate, is the third-most conservative of the 52-member chamber. To the Ellisville Republican’s right, by a slight measure, are only Republican Sens. Michael Watson of Pascagoula and Angela Hill of Picayune.
June 14, 2014: Gulf Live: Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula on McDaniel: 'It's Chris' time now'
State Sen. Michael Watson, elected alongside McDaniel in 2007, said his friend and ally in the Mississippi Statehouse offers the state something new, just as Cochran did in 1978 when he became the first Republican elected to statewide office since Reconstruction. "Chris has a vision for this country, and he inspires people when he offers it," Watson said. "Mississippi loves its incumbents, but we also love to elect young, energetic senators.
Aug 29, 2013: Gulf Live: Sen. Michael Watson: Common Core is not the solution for Mississippi (Your Word)June 26, 2013: Mississippi PEP: PLUNKETT: Political response to Senate Conservative Coalition proves why it is needed.
The initial coalition members are: Senator Chris McDaniel, Senator Tony Smith, Senator Melanie Sojourner, Senator Michael Watson, Senator Perry Lee, Senator Angela Hill, Senator Philip Gandy, Senator Josh Harkins, Senator Will Longwitz, Senator Chris Massey, and Senator David Parker.
State Sen. Michael Watson talked about education, road and bridge spending, marijuana and the lack of civic involvement at a town hall attended by a half-dozen people at the East Central Community Center in Hurley.
Sept 15, 2014: Gulf Live: State Sen. Michael Watson conducting town hall meeting tonight in Hurley
State Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, will hold a town hall meeting tonight at 6:30 here at the East Central Community Center on Miss. 614.
Aug 5, 2014: Gulf Live: 7 Jackson, George County legislators get A rankings for pro-business votes
Seven local legislators have received an "A" for their efforts in pro-business legislation from Mississippi's Business and Political Education Committee, according to the groups report card from the 2013 session. Receiving As in the House were Reps. Manly Barton, Charles Busby, Hank Zuber, John Read and Doug McLeod. Sens. Brice Wiggins and Michael Watson also received top rankings.
July 26, 2014: Biloxi Sun Herald: McDaniel's main man: Michael Watson key in campaign, legal fight
Jackson County state senator a key player in McDaniel campaign, legal fight
July 19, 2014: Biloxi Sun Herald: PAUL HAMPTON: Truth, justice and the American why
But they weren't through. After the cost of the plant continued to increase, the Legislature -- with votes of McDaniel, Watson and campaign manager Melanie Sojourner -- approved a plan to let Mississippi Power borrow up to $1 billion to be repaid by (drum roll) the customers.
July 18, 2014: Super Talk Mississippi: Senator Michael Watson on the Non News Conference
The McDaniel Camp held a so called news conference on Wednesday. We felt like it was a bunch of the same ole rhetoric that everyone already knew. Sen. Michael Watson called in to set the record straight.July 17 2014: Mississippi Watchdog: Lawyers for MS U.S. Senate candidate say fight for seat far from over
“We’re doing a full examination of election material,” Watson said. “It’s a look under the hood at the election process in Mississippi. You can’t get to a challenge without a full examination of the election materials. If Chris doesn’t find enough evidence to support this challenge, he won’t do it.”
July 7, 2014: Z-News Mississippi: Sunlight Foundation: Only Angela Hill & Michael Watson are more conservative than Chris McDaniel
McDaniel, according to an analysis that compares his votes to those of others in the Mississippi’s Senate, is the third-most conservative of the 52-member chamber. To the Ellisville Republican’s right, by a slight measure, are only Republican Sens. Michael Watson of Pascagoula and Angela Hill of Picayune.
June 14, 2014: Gulf Live: Sen. Michael Watson of Pascagoula on McDaniel: 'It's Chris' time now'
State Sen. Michael Watson, elected alongside McDaniel in 2007, said his friend and ally in the Mississippi Statehouse offers the state something new, just as Cochran did in 1978 when he became the first Republican elected to statewide office since Reconstruction. "Chris has a vision for this country, and he inspires people when he offers it," Watson said. "Mississippi loves its incumbents, but we also love to elect young, energetic senators.
Aug 29, 2013: Gulf Live: Sen. Michael Watson: Common Core is not the solution for Mississippi (Your Word)June 26, 2013: Mississippi PEP: PLUNKETT: Political response to Senate Conservative Coalition proves why it is needed.
The initial coalition members are: Senator Chris McDaniel, Senator Tony Smith, Senator Melanie Sojourner, Senator Michael Watson, Senator Perry Lee, Senator Angela Hill, Senator Philip Gandy, Senator Josh Harkins, Senator Will Longwitz, Senator Chris Massey, and Senator David Parker.
Nov 13, 2011: Daily Kos: Republican MS State Senate
SD-49 Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport)
Sen. Tindell took 77% of the vote while winning an open seat in 2011. His district goes from Gulfport to Biloxi and is highly Republican. 69% McCain, Safe R.
SD-49 Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport)
Sen. Tindell took 77% of the vote while winning an open seat in 2011. His district goes from Gulfport to Biloxi and is highly Republican. 69% McCain, Safe R.
Aug 6, 2011: Gulf Live: Pascagoula Schools Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich's actions pondered by state and city leaders
State Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, said when his fellow lawmakers discover that a superintendent in his area held a staff meeting and showed a slideshow from the Mississippi Parents' Campaign with legislative voting records, he could have a difficult time garnering support for all schools in his district.
State Sen. Michael Watson, R-Pascagoula, said when his fellow lawmakers discover that a superintendent in his area held a staff meeting and showed a slideshow from the Mississippi Parents' Campaign with legislative voting records, he could have a difficult time garnering support for all schools in his district.
- Ballotpedia -
Michael D. Watson Jr. (b. December 22, 1977) is a Republican member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 51. He was first elected to the chamber in 2007. Senator Watson is a member of the Pascagoula Rotary Club, the Ole Miss Alumni Association, the National Rifle Association, the MS Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Ole Miss Hall of Fame, and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and the DREAM Program. Senator Watson was born on December 22, 1977, in Pascagoula. He's married to the former Lauren Emswiler, and they have two daughters, Gracie Pierce and Annie. He's a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula.
Michael D. Watson Jr. (b. December 22, 1977) is a Republican member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing District 51. He was first elected to the chamber in 2007. Senator Watson is a member of the Pascagoula Rotary Club, the Ole Miss Alumni Association, the National Rifle Association, the MS Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Ole Miss Hall of Fame, and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and the DREAM Program. Senator Watson was born on December 22, 1977, in Pascagoula. He's married to the former Lauren Emswiler, and they have two daughters, Gracie Pierce and Annie. He's a member of First Presbyterian Church in Pascagoula.