Great work in government affairs often happens behind the scenes...but not this time!
The USLege 2025 Best in Government Affairs Awards are designed to highlight standout professionals in lobbying, public affairs, and policy strategy through peer nominations. Whether they’re running point at the Capitol, leading an association, or emerging as a rising star, we want to recognize the people making an impact.
There’s no cost to nominate or be featured.
Winners will receive:
- A feature profile on our 2025 Best in Government Affairs webpage
- A custom award badge and digital toolkit to share the win
- Exclusive promotion the USLege network of 12,000+ policy professionals & media partners
- Nominees will be notified as part of a public recognition campaign
Final selections are based on the strength and volume of nominations.
So if someone deserves the spotlight, make sure their name is in the mix.
2025 Best in Government Affairs List
See the list of awards that are open for nomination.
Top Hired Gun Lobbyists of the Year
For the individual whose influence, results, and reputation set the standard.
Recognizes a contract lobbyist whose work in state government relations stands above the rest. They are trusted by clients, legislators, and colleagues alike. They bring sharp strategy, strong relationships, and consistent wins to the table, year after year.
Known for:
- Delivering measurable results across a range of clients or issues
- Navigating complex political dynamics with skill and credibility
- Being seen as a go-to presence in the statehouse and beyond
- Applies to: Single-State or Multi-State Contract Lobbyists working independently or with firms
Rising Stars of the Year
For rising stars making outsized impact early in their careers.
Honors an early-career professional whose presence, performance, and potential are impossible to ignore. Whether shaping strategy, delivering testimony, running point on legislation, or mobilizing stakeholders, this rising star is already operating like a seasoned pro.
Known for:
- Punching above their weight in influence, access, and results
- Showing up prepared, trusted, and ready to lead
- Representing the future of state government, advocacy, and policy strategy
- Applies to: Professionals within the first 4 years of their career in lobbying, advocacy, associations, or public affairs
Top Staffer of the Year
For the people behind the podium, the policy, and the political wins.
Recognizes a legislative staffer whose expertise, judgment, and hustle power a legislator’s agenda from behind the scenes. These are the staffers who turn draft ideas into law, anticipate roadblocks before they appear, and make the entire operation smarter, faster, and sharper.
Known for:
- Driving legislative strategy and execution from the inside
- Being a trusted advisor to elected leadership
- Mastering the details that others miss and moving quickly when it counts
- Applies to: Legislative Directors, Chiefs of Staff, Committee Analysts, Senior Policy Aides
Association Champion of the Year
For the leaders who turn diverse member interests into unified, strategic advocacy.
Recognizes someone who leads government affairs for a trade, professional, or statewide business association and does it with clarity, credibility, and results. Whether testifying on behalf of hundreds of members or shaping long-term policy strategy, this person is the trusted voice that decision-makers listen to.
Known for:
- Representing broad and often competing member priorities with focus and impact
- Being a go-to source for policymakers on industry or sector-specific issues
- Driving meaningful engagement at the Capitol through coordination and credibility
- Applies to: State Association Executives, Business Association Leaders, Chamber Government Affairs Directors, Policy Leads for Industry Groups
Strategic Communicator of the Year
For the professionals who shape policy by shaping the narrative.
Recognizes someone whose message discipline, timing, and voice influence not just public opinion, but legislative outcomes. Whether steering a campaign, briefing the press, or managing crisis moments, this person knows how to deliver the right message at the right time and make it stick.
Known for:
- Crafting clear, compelling messaging on complex policy issues
- Influencing legislative strategy through communications and media
- Providing trusted guidance during high-pressure public or political moments
- Applies to: Public Affairs Consultants, PR Advisors, Crisis Communications Experts, Public Affairs Professionals
Female Powerhouse of the Year
For the woman setting the standard in state advocacy and government affairs.
Honors a standout leader whose influence, results, and presence have reshaped what leadership looks like at the Capitol. Whether she’s running the strategy, building coalitions, or mentoring the next generation. She’s the one others watch, follow, and trust.
Known for:
- Driving major policy wins while commanding respect on both sides of the aisle
- Leading with a mix of grit, strategy, and integrity
- Paving the way for more women to lead in state politics and advocacy
- Applies to: Women in lobbying, policy, government affairs, public service, or political strategy roles
Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year
For the strategist who transforms technology into tactical advantage.
The Policy Intelligence Leader of the Year honors someone who doesn’t just keep up, they redefine what it means to stay ahead. This award celebrates the individual using every tool at their disposal to surface what matters faster, brief smarter, and make decisions with unmatched clarity.
Known for:
- Using real-time data, transcripts, AI tools, or bill tracking to drive smarter decisions
- Synthesizing complex information and surfacing actionable priorities
- Delivering speed and clarity when policy stakes are high
- Applies to: In-House Government Affairs Directors, Chiefs of Staff, State Policy Managers, Association Leads
