October 1, 2026
Georgia Baptists will once again recognize their “Legislators of the Year” at our 12th Annual Georgia Baptist event at the State Capitol on Thursday, Feb. 5.
Each year, Georgia Baptists, through the Public Affairs Committee, recognize a Senate and House member with an award, thanking them for their extraordinary service to Georgia and God’s Kingdom on earth.
This year, Sen. Sam Watson (11th District, Moultrie, Ga.) and Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th District, Lyons, Ga.), will be honored for their work during the 2025 legislative session.
These legislators are exemplary leaders in standing for the right principles in government. The statement on the plaque they will be given reads: "Given in grateful appreciation for your leadership and commitment to Godly principles as you represent your constituents at the State Capitol."
Watson, a Republican, has served in the Georgia State Senate since 2023. He represents Senate District 11, which includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole, and Thomas counties.
He serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and as a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, and State and Local Governmental Operations. He is also an ex-officio member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Natural Resources and the Environment.
Watson is married to Emily Howard Watson. They are the parents of four daughters. They live in southern Colquitt County on the family farm between Moultrie and Coolidge. The Watsons are members of Moultrie First Baptist Church, where they are active in the children’s ministry and Sam Watson serves as a Deacon
Prior to his election to the Senate, he served five terms in the Georgia House of Representatives, representing House District 172.
Watson is active in his community, serving on the Colquitt County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He is a member of the Colquitt County Cattlemen’s Association and the Colquitt County Young Farmers Association.
Watson is the past President of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, is a member of the UGA Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Alumni Board, and a member of the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
Watson has received numerous honors and awards, including being named one of Georgia Trend’s “Movers and Shakers in Agribusiness” in 2010, and the 2014 Freshman Legislator of the Year award by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.
Hagan is a Republican and represents the citizens of House District 156, which includes Montgomery, Toombs, and Wheeler counties, as well as portions of Ben Hill, Tattnall, and Telfair counties. She was elected in July 2021.
She currently chairs the House Rural Development committee, and also serves on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Natural Resources and Environment, Industry and Labor and Transportation committees.
Hagan was raised in Riverdale, Georgia, but has lived in Lyons, the long-time home of her husband’s family, for 12 years. She and her husband, Mike, met at the University of Georgia and have been married since 1996. They have two sons, both of whom are Eagle Scouts. The Hagans are active members of Grace Community Presbyterian Church, and she also participates in the Lions Club in her city.
She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1995 with a degree in education, and began a teaching career that has included 13 years of classroom experience in public, private, and homeschool.
Hagan is a legislator who supports conservative policies such as growing the rural economy, backing law enforcement and first responders, and protecting Constitutional rights.
Georgia Baptists are grateful for such leaders as these in the state legislature. We should also pray that more people with conservative Biblical convictions will run for office and get elected. We need more of God’s “salt and light” in leadership around our state and nation.
Please make plans now to attend the Georgia Baptist Day at the State Capitol this year. It is not just for Baptists. It is for all leaders, church members, and citizens in our state. Please check out this link: Georgia Baptist Day at the Georgia State Capitol 2026 - Georgia Baptist Mission Board
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Mike Griffin is the Public Affairs Representative of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board.
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