# Best in Government Affairs Awards | USLege

> Peer-nominated awards honoring the best lobbyists, legislative staff, association leaders, and policy pros across all 50 states. See the winners by state.

Canonical: https://www.uslege.ai/best-in-government-affairs

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USLege · Best in Government Affairs Awards

 

USLege Awards · 2026

# Best in Government _Affairs_

Recognized in every statehouse.

Every year, USLege recognizes the people who move policy, the lobbyists, legislative staff, association leaders, communicators, and policy minds, chosen by their peers in statehouses across the country.

[See the 2026 Texas winners](/best-in-government-affairs/texas)[Find your state](#states-main)

**89**Honorees

**8**Categories

**100%**Peer-nominated

What this is

## The people who move policy, _recognized_.

Government affairs is the work of shaping public policy: the lobbyists, legislative staff, association leaders, communicators, and policy experts who turn ideas into law inside America's statehouses. Most of that work happens out of public view. The USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards bring it into the light, honoring the most effective professionals in every state, chosen by the people who work alongside them.

### Peer-nominated

Every honoree is chosen through nominations from colleagues across the industry. There is never a cost to nominate or be featured.

### Every state

Rolling out across all 50 states. Texas is live now; New York and California are next, with more to follow.

### Eight categories

From top hired-gun lobbyists to rising stars, association champions, communicators, and policy leaders.

![Rows of engraved crystal Best in Government Affairs awards at the 2025 Texas ceremony](/assets/awards/award-night-2025.jpg)

The hardware: peer-nominated crystal, engraved for every honoree, Texas, 2025.

Find a professional

## Search every honoree, in _every state_.

One place to find the standout lobbyists, staff, and policy professionals recognized across the country. Start typing a name, firm, category, or state.

[![Will McAdams](/assets/awards/bf979fd6d8_68f11daafa702882acf04fb8_McAdams__Will_15_high_res-min.avif)Will McAdamsPartner · Mike Toomey & AssociatesTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#will-mcadams) [![Ryan Brannan](/assets/awards/31a37dcba1_68f11d240d155ae20772bd99_Ryan_Headshot.avif)Ryan BrannanFounder & Principal · The Brannan FirmTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#ryan-brannan) [![Mark Vane](/assets/awards/f62350c6e3_68f11cf37d30d8fd0394e76b_Mark_Vane.avif)Mark VaneOf Counsel · Husch Blackwell StrategiesTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#mark-vane) [![Luis Saenz](/assets/awards/4aa6c49353_68f11cb993b120df403d9b2a_Luis.avif)Luis SaenzPartner · TX Public AffairsTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#luis-saenz) [![Larry Gonzales](/assets/awards/6255180247_68f11c8b55d44ab05d341bcb_Larry_headshot_at_Desk_138_sharpen.avif)Larry GonzalesFounder & President · Desk 138Top Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#larry-gonzales) [![Kathy Grant](/assets/awards/796dd7f9d3_68f11c5332bd4e2c16d8922e_aragonai-fb8e43c8-5dbb-48e1-8ce6-3d360fe69902.avif)Kathy GrantPrincipal · Kathy Grant GroupTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#kathy-grant) [![John Colyandro](/assets/awards/b6a0f43017_68f11c1d07c41f37dc81e2df_John_C_1.avif)John ColyandroPrincipal / Founder · Colyandro Public AffairsTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#john-colyandro) [![Jay Propes](/assets/awards/50096b0045_68f11bdb4c22aed493ca0731_Propes2_1.avif)Jay PropesPartner · Mercury Public AffairsTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#jay-propes) [![Holly DeShields](/assets/awards/e0914788b4_68f11b1a1f0dd2bc560dca86_Holly.avif)Holly DeShieldsSenior Vice President & Director, Texas Government Relations · McGuireWoods Consulting LLCTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#holly-deshields) [![Denise Rose](/assets/awards/6f0c8c1cb4_68f11adf47fca515d4d24c06_Rose-Denise-Crop-1000x1000.avif)Denise RosePartner and Chair, Government Relations & Public Policy · Jackson WalkerTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#denise-rose) [![Craig Casselberry](/assets/awards/0234b07b5a_68f11ab0249a4b5db4b22b40_Craig_Casselberry_Headshot.avif)Craig CasselberryFounder and CEO · Quorum Public Affairs, Inc.Top Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#craig-casselberry) [![Carrie Simmons](/assets/awards/90b2d2ff10_68f11948713efb3d38fed794_Carrie_Simmons_headshot.avif)Carrie SimmonsLobbyist · Texas Lobby PartnersTop Hired Gun Lobbyists · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists#carrie-simmons) [![Sara Allen](/assets/awards/cf2414f38a_68f143ce73171b8fa3b32ef4_IMG_0239.jpeg)Sara AllenVice President of Administration and PAC Director · Imperium Public AffairsRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#sara-allen) [![Morghan Armenta](/assets/awards/563869b587_68f1439b0adb7d963495d00f_Morghan_Armenta_Headshot.jpg)Morghan ArmentaK-12 Education Policy Analyst · Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Budget and PoRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#morghan-armenta) [![Michael Geary](/assets/awards/2428a5c86c_68f1436759b29f8bd613b286_Michael_Geary_Headshot.avif)Michael GearyDirector, Multistate Operations · August Strategy GroupRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#michael-geary) [![Kate Goodrich](/assets/awards/b0ba3672cf_68f1432288cbd40577854163_Kate.avif)Kate GoodrichPartner, Public Policy and Law practice · K&L GatesRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#kate-goodrich) [![Jenna Harlan](/assets/awards/c21f8242e8_68f142f1740ee71e688c0bad_Harlan.Headshot.jpg)Jenna HarlanGovernment Relations · Desk 138Rising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#jenna-harlan) [![Ikenna Okoro](/assets/awards/416dd502ae_68f142ba6e3fbfe6d59c5c59_Ikenna.jpeg)Ikenna OkoroAttorney & Lobbyist · Okoro LawRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#ikenna-okoro) [![Eric MacPherson](/assets/awards/69906cd305_68f1424e5b5a759134e1d18b_Resume_Picture.jpg)Eric MacPhersonBudget Analyst · Texas Legislative Budget BoardRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#eric-macpherson) [![Emily Love](/assets/awards/ca8390e223_68f141ff2e8233f42d5972d9_emily_love.jpeg)Emily LoveDirector of Legislative Affairs · Cross Oak GroupRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#emily-love) [![Drew Graham](/assets/awards/590c0d3e4d_68f141d0693b6ce22c2a5a43_Drew-min.jpg)Drew GrahamPrincipal / Lobbyist, Graham Public Affairs · Graham Public AffairsRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#drew-graham) [![Caitriana Corkill](/assets/awards/977e5ab31b_68f141929baaa323e20f580f_Caitriana_Corkill_headshot_with_background-min.avif)Caitriana CorkillVice President · BGR GroupRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#caitriana-corkill) [![Avery Dishaw](/assets/awards/c10e4f6f1e_68f14111c397ccf513b975ab_Avery2-min.JPEG)Avery DishawPublic Affairs, Senior Associate · Blakemore & AssociatesRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#avery-dishaw) [![Ana Grace Husted](/assets/awards/d36d47d5a5_68f140a973341c38183b049b_770250F3-C2CC-43DF-96A1-2603C4137F27_1-min.avif)Ana Grace HustedVice President of Government Affairs · ABC TexasRising Stars · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars#ana-grace-husted) [![Vince Leibowitz](/assets/awards/e3b363e422_68f1272d0f7606e6cf8e5540_VL_Head_Shot_Sage.avif)Vince LeibowitzLegislative Director & Fiscal Analyst · Office of Texas State Senator Royce WestTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#vince-leibowitz) [![Vanessa Tanner](/assets/awards/7107c505eb_68f126e983d3b40faf7ca8bb_VCT_Headshot.avif)Vanessa TannerChief of Staff · Office of Texas State Rep. Brad BuckleyTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#vanessa-tanner) [![Roel Benavides, Jr.](/assets/awards/cf1e5802d3_68f12687b4d45d885117f4c4_RB_USLege_Photo.avif)Roel Benavides, Jr.Chief of Staff · Office of Texas State Rep. Charles CunninghamTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#roel-benavides-jr) [![Laura Dally Stowe](/assets/awards/c055d7e839_68f1263a252fd66ffdc09506_L._Stowe_headshot.avif)Laura Dally StoweChief of Staff · Office of Texas State Senator Angela PaxtonTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#laura-dally-stowe) [![Jenna King Lewis](/assets/awards/0b2a673a62_68f125bbfc95f337f4d0691b_Jenna.avif)Jenna King LewisGeneral Counsel · Office of Texas State Senator Tan ParkerTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#jenna-king-lewis) [![Court Manske](/assets/awards/09c2b1e20b_68f1258b0a2ca9243d87f238_Court.avif)Court ManskeCommittee Director · Texas Senate Committee on Education K-16Top Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#court-manske) [![Cristina Masters](/assets/awards/2bd53ba4d6_68f12559d76c028dadcf1878_CEM_Headshot-min.avif)Cristina MastersChief of Staff · Office of Texas State Rep. Claudia OrdazTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#cristina-masters) [![Brady Vaughn](/assets/awards/129e279d30_68f124ffc085e4062904c321_Brady.avif)Brady VaughnChief of Staff · Office of Texas State Senator Charles SchwertnerTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#brady-vaughn) [![Ashley Walter](/assets/awards/827ae336e7_68f124c595bdbd25989dc328_Ashley_Walter.avif)Ashley WalterChief of Staff · Office of Texas State Rep. Pat CurryTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#ashley-walter) [![Andrew Parks](/assets/awards/bd1c2fb631_68f1248b6de205688667cd8f_BAParks_Headshot.avif)Andrew ParksCommittee Director · Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture & Rural AfTop Staffer · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers#andrew-parks) [![Jamie Dudensing](/assets/awards/bde8ca53da_68f15aa517f2574b666625e8_image__13_.avif)Jamie DudensingPresident & CEO · Texas Association of Health PlansAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#jamie-dudensing) [![Trent Hightower](/assets/awards/41e2778603_68f12a3a8c26322abb9195c2_headshot.avif)Trent HightowerGeneral Counsel & Director of Government Relations · Texas Veterinary Medical AssociationAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#trent-hightower) [![Tray Bates](/assets/awards/334aeb10c5_68f12a04523bc2bf6885bb84_Tray_Bates_2140.avif)Tray BatesVice President of Governmental Affairs · Texas REALTORSAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#tray-bates) [![Sandy Hoy](/assets/awards/c35b3fe560_68f129d48994f23cbdb0272c_Sandy_-_grey_background.avif)Sandy HoyVice President & General Counsel · Texas Apartment AssociationAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#sandy-hoy) [![Perry Fowler](/assets/awards/73aaca8d5c_68f12997d54241d9998789fb_IMG_3484.avif)Perry FowlerExecutive Director · Texas Water Infrastructure NetworkAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#perry-fowler) [![Megan Mauro](/assets/awards/26d5032bfa_68f1295d8508e156cade0c77_Mauro_Megan_976-0862-Retouched_June_2025_TCCE.avif)Megan MauroExecutive Vice President & Chief of Staff, later Interim Preside · Texas Association of BusinessAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#megan-mauro) [![Logan Harrell](/assets/awards/620223724b_68f12928ad83ad448894901d_Harrell_Headshot.avif)Logan HarrellGeneral Counsel & Director of Regulatory Affairs · Texas Chemistry CouncilAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#logan-harrell) [![Kristen Lenau](/assets/awards/542ed9f5e5_68f128eee0420feb38445026_C.avif)Kristen LenauPolicy Director · Texas Women's Healthcare CoalitionAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#kristen-lenau) [![Kimberly Lile-Dowty](/assets/awards/d0f8eb9b29_68f128b00d40b9d4ae830139_HiRes-Lile__Kimberly-9847.avif)Kimberly Lile-DowtyAssociate Director · Texas Association of Regional CouncilsAssociation Champion · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates#kimberly-lile-dowty) [![Rebecca Young Montgomery](/assets/awards/eb96977865_68f12f8a463af4ebf2590e53_Rebecca.avif)Rebecca Young MontgomeryFounder & CEO · Montgomery StrategiesFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#rebecca-young-montgomery) [![Nora Cox](/assets/awards/ef5cfb7907_68f12f55386d94fdebbcf507_NoraCox.avif)Nora CoxFounder & Chief Executive Officer · Texas e-Health AllianceFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#nora-cox) [![Molly Spratt](/assets/awards/03dfbdc7d0_68f12f1b1866c099c803e126_Molly_Spratt_-_headshot__hi-res_.avif)Molly SprattPrincipal · HB StrategiesFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#molly-spratt) [![Michelle Wittenburg](/assets/awards/dc17d904b4_68f12eed051c8861e4f18d59_MW_2022_shot__4_.jpg)Michelle WittenburgPresident · Wittenburg & AssociatesFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#michelle-wittenburg) [![Mary Tipps](/assets/awards/d393b9f0d8_68f12eb12352bb6e4fbbe3dd_Mary-Tipps.avif)Mary TippsExecutive Director · Texans for Lawsuit ReformFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#mary-tipps) [![Marti Johnson Luparello](/assets/awards/58816c89d9_68f12e7c6ec126658d3241d4_Marti_Luparello.avif)Marti Johnson LuparelloFounder & Principal · Ocotillo Public AffairsFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#marti-johnson-luparello) [![Marsha Jones](/assets/awards/1fc84bc37c_68f12e4c80d5315fb96a81d7_Marsha.avif)Marsha JonesConsultant · HillCo PartnersFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#marsha-jones) [![Lisa Kaufman](/assets/awards/7d61130a52_68f12e13fe4a86b72d3a49cc_Lisa_Kaufman-768x960.avif)Lisa KaufmanFounding Partner · Davis KaufmanFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#lisa-kaufman) [![Leah Clark](/assets/awards/894b33ec79_68f12ddda657e5bf1f8f1e87_LKC_headshot_2025.avif)Leah ClarkIntergovernmental Relations Manager · City of Georgetown, TexasFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#leah-clark) [![Jenn Saenz](/assets/awards/425be2048a_68f12da5eb4cd767a72bcb08_Jenn_headshot-min.jpg)Jenn SaenzPrincipal · Phenix & SaenzFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#jenn-saenz) [![Denise Davis](/assets/awards/2733a33f8f_68f12d56ee4a464218892b81_DeniseDavis-520x780__1_.jpg)Denise DavisFounding Partner · Davis KaufmanFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#denise-davis) [![Amy Rister](/assets/awards/8bc247b745_68f12d20880af4a0b93982c0_Rister_Amy_255-2763-Retouched.jpg)Amy RisterCommittee Director · Texas House Committee on Intergovernmental AffairsFemale Powerhouse · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists#amy-rister) [![Thomas Graham](/assets/awards/9306b92b19_68f38657faaa50ba3963b460_tg_ny.avif)Thomas GrahamFounder & CEO · Crosswind Media & Public RelationsStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#thomas-graham) [![Vance Ginn](/assets/awards/c2056ee38d_68f12cd7c73a07ac39123872_Vance_ginn.avif)Vance GinnPresident · Ginn Economic ConsultingStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#vance-ginn) [![Travis McCormick](/assets/awards/c050d055cb_68f12c8ac2a872626b8c3b98_Travis-McCormick-8-min.avif)Travis McCormickPrincipal, McCormick Strategies · McCormick StrategiesStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#travis-mccormick) [![Shannon Meroney](/assets/awards/2a29094547_68f12c440c8e901c6e83cbb6_Shannon.avif)Shannon MeroneyPresident · Meroney Public AffairsStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#shannon-meroney) [![Myra Leo](/assets/awards/49012ccacb_68f12c0d8d121cb2600fbde3_Myra_Leo.avif)Myra LeoPrincipal · HB StrategiesStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#myra-leo) [![Merrill Davis](/assets/awards/632f9001fc_68f12bd7a5f92b5d197e709a_Merrill_Davis.avif)Merrill DavisVice President of Communications · Texas 2036Strategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#merrill-davis) [![Mason Reid](/assets/awards/6494cd24d8_68f12ba9a02609fdec639b99_Mason_Headshot.avif)Mason ReidFounder & CEO · Blue Victory CommunicationsStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#mason-reid) [![Katherine McLane](/assets/awards/7923de6f24_68f12b6a8b1c199144d0062f_KM_Headshot.jpg)Katherine McLaneFounder & CEO · The Mach 1 GroupStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#katherine-mclane) [![Julia Dvorak](/assets/awards/e44e291b9e_68f12b38caf9eb3deeb63e77_Julia-min.JPG)Julia DvorakCommunications Director / Press Contact · Texas Senate Republican CaucusStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#julia-dvorak) [![Brittany Eck](/assets/awards/89ccb565be_68f12ae62e36db5b95b02641_Brittany_Eck.avif)Brittany EckCommunications Director for Disaster Recovery · Texas General Land OfficeStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#brittany-eck) [![Allen Blakemore](/assets/awards/19f12b1b47_68f12a9a422fad028830c2c2_AEB-min.jpg)Allen BlakemoreFounder/Principal · Blakemore & AssociatesStrategic Communicator · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators#allen-blakemore) [![Rusty Kelley](/assets/awards/5e12cc524f_68f122bfa46c3ae2f150676a_RustyKelley.avif)Rusty KelleyOwner · BlackridgeLobby Legends · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists#rusty-kelley) [![Robert Miller](/assets/awards/940f3ca494_68f1228a07399f432ddcbd07_Miller_Robert_sq_LinkedIn.avif)Robert MillerPartner; Chair of the Firm's Texas Public Law Section · Troutman Pepper LockeLobby Legends · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists#robert-miller) [![Mike Toomey](/assets/awards/2424d10f4a_68f12252a10d6a395a49f779_Mike_Toomey_Picture.avif)Mike ToomeyFounder · Mike Toomey & AssociatesLobby Legends · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists#mike-toomey) [![Mignon McGarry](/assets/awards/e7faf1fd9e_68f12218486e2d09f6a31209_Mignon-McGarry_bw-edited-scaled.avif)Mignon McGarryFounder & Principal · Mignon McGarry & AssociatesLobby Legends · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists#mignon-mcgarry) [![Kent Hance](/assets/awards/1bfd6a9638_68f121e7fc46fe9cb0f78a35_KH_Picture__002_.avif)Kent HanceThe Honorable Kent R. Hance · Hance ScarboroughLobby Legends · Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists#kent-hance) [![John R. Pitts, Sr.](/assets/awards/eeca9f42cb_68f121b42cb77e9785be5a48_John_pitts_1_.avif)John R. 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Inaugural Awards

## The first United States honorees launch _this year_.

The inaugural United States Best in Government Affairs Awards launch this year. Nominations open later this year, and there is never a cost to nominate or be featured.

The Categories

## Eight ways to be _the best_ in the building.

The USLege 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards highlight standout [professionals in lobbying](/for/lobbyists), public affairs, and policy strategy, chosen through peer nominations. Whether they're running point at the Capitol, [leading an association](/for/associations), or emerging as a rising star, these are the people making an impact. There is no cost to nominate or be featured.

[

### Top Hired Gun Lobbyists

Contract lobbyists](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/best-lobbyists)[

### Rising Stars

Emerging talent](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/rising-stars)[

### Top Staffer

Legislative staff](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-staffers)[

### Association Champion

Association leaders](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/association-advocates)[

### Female Powerhouse

Women who lead](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-female-lobbyists)[

### Strategic Communicator

Message-makers](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/public-affairs-communicators)[

### Lobby Legends

Veteran advocates](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/most-powerful-lobbyists)[

### Policy Intelligence Leaders

Policy minds](/best-in-government-affairs/texas/top-policy-experts)

## Find your state

The awards are rolling out across all 50 states. Texas is live now; New York and California are next, presented with Capitol Confidential Pro.

[![Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege](/assets/capcon-pro-lockup-dark.png)](https://www.capitolconfidential.com)

50 States

[California](/best-in-government-affairs/california)[New York](/best-in-government-affairs/new-york)[Texas](/best-in-government-affairs/texas)AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

The Celebration

## Straight from the _event_.

In April 2026 we honored the Texas winners at a sold-out celebration in Austin. Hear it from the honorees themselves.

The Honor

## What every winner _receives_.

A feature profile on the 2026 Best in Government Affairs webpage

A custom award badge and digital toolkit to share the win

Exclusive promotion to the USLege network of 12,000+ policy professionals and media partners

Notification as part of a public recognition campaign, with selections based on the strength and volume of nominations

2027 Awards

## The 2027 honorees launch _this year_.

The 2027 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards will be announced next year. Nominations will open at a later date, and there is never a cost to nominate or be featured. For now, explore this year's 2026 winners.

Nominations closed

## The 2026 honorees are _in_.

Nominations for the 2026 awards are now closed. The 2027 USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards, including nominations, will open at a later date. There is never a cost to nominate or be featured.

[Notify me when 2027 nominations open](#notify)

Questions

## About the _awards_.

### What are the USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards?

An annual, peer-nominated recognition of the most effective professionals in government affairs, including contract lobbyists, legislative staff, association leaders, strategic communicators, and policy experts. The program is rolling out across all 50 states.

### Which states are live?

Texas is live now with its full slate of honorees. New York and California are next, presented in partnership with Capitol Confidential Pro. Additional states launch this year.

[![Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege](/assets/capcon-pro-lockup-dark.png)](https://www.capitolconfidential.com)

### How are winners selected?

Winners are chosen entirely through peer nominations. Final selections are based on the strength and volume of nominations received. There is no cost to nominate or to be featured.

### What categories are recognized?

Eight categories: Top Hired Gun Lobbyists, Rising Stars, Top Staffer, Association Champion, Female Powerhouse, Strategic Communicator, Lobby Legends, Policy Intelligence Leaders.

### How can our state or organization get involved?

USLege is expanding the awards nationwide. Book a demo to bring the Best in Government Affairs Awards to your state or to learn about partnership and sponsorship.

Stay Informed

## Get _notified._

Leave your details and we will email you when 2027 nominations open.

You are on the list. We will email you when nominations open.

Every State

## Explore other _states_.

The USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards are rolling out across all 50 states. Find yours below.