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 winnersFind your state
89Honorees
8Categories
100%Peer-nominated
Inaugural Awards

The first United States honorees are coming soon.

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

Notify me when nominations open
The Categories

Eight ways to be the best in the building.

The USLege 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards highlight standout professionals in lobbying, public affairs, and policy strategy, chosen through peer nominations. Whether they're running point at the Capitol, leading an association, 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

Rising Stars

Emerging talent

Top Staffer

Legislative staff

Association Champion

Association leaders

Female Powerhouse

Women who lead

Strategic Communicator

Message-makers

Lobby Legends

Veteran advocates

Policy Intelligence Leaders

Policy minds

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
50 States
CaliforniaNew YorkTexasAlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew 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

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 about 2027
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 are coming soon.

Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege

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 In The Loop

Get notified.

Leave your details and we will let teams know as new states open for nominations.

Every State

Explore other states.

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