USLege · Best in Government Affairs Awards
California
Best in Government Affairs
The inaugural California Best in Government Affairs Awards launch this year. Nominations open later this year, with no cost to nominate or be featured.
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The first California honorees launch this year.
The inaugural California Best in Government Affairs Awards launch this year. Nominations open later this year, and there is never a cost to nominate or be featured.
This is what the night looks like.
California winners will receive the same peer-nominated crystal awarded at the inaugural Texas ceremony in 2025.
Award ceremony
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.
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
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.
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.
Track the California Legislature while you wait on nominations.
USLege covers the California Legislature with live video, transcripts, and cited AI answers, the same coverage Capitol Confidential Pro is built on. Get the weekly Political Spotlight recap for California, free.
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 California program launches this year.
When will the California winners be announced?
The inaugural California Best in Government Affairs Awards launch this year. Nominations open later this year, and there is no cost to nominate or be featured.
How are winners selected?
Winners are chosen entirely through peer nominations. Final selections are based on the strength and volume of nominations received.
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.
Who presents the California awards?
Presented with Capitol Confidential Pro.
Explore other states.
The USLege Best in Government Affairs Awards are rolling out across all 50 states. Find yours below.