Colby Watson for Congress

Too often today, we see members of Congress, presidents, vice presidents, and other high-ranking officials accumulate enormous wealth while in office, even as the struggles of everyday Americans continue to grow.

Public service was meant to serve the people, not self-interest. If someone’s goal is self-enrichment, there’s a place for that. It’s called the private sector, and I believe that’s where they should stay.

I will work to close the pathways to personal enrichment for federally elected officials and restore the true meaning of public service. We should be attracting representatives who are there to serve the American people, not themselves.

Let’s be honest. Lobbyists don’t donate to campaigns because they like a politician’s personality. They donate because they want influence. That’s why I support banning stock trading by members of Congress, banning former members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, and passing real campaign finance reform.

Public office should be a public trust, not a path to personal wealth.

Working in the trades and running my own business taught me that anything worth building starts with a strong foundation.

I believe government should be no different.

For me, that foundation starts with trust, integrity, and hard work.

If we want stronger communities and greater opportunity, we have to get back to the fundamentals of public service.

It was an honor to celebrate Juneteenth among friends in Anson County today.

To me, Juneteenth represents freedom and reminds us that progress is possible when people come together for the greater good.

It’s a reminder that change doesn’t happen when people stay silent. It happens when people stand up for their neighbors and fight for their communities.

It represents unity, shared responsibility, and the belief that every person deserves dignity and opportunity.

To those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who watched their loved ones leave but never return, we remember your sacrifice, and we honor you today and every day.

To the one who has been with me through it all.

Through the ups and downs, the struggles and the victories, Alexis has been by my side every step of the way.

Today we celebrated our 15th anniversary. It feels like just yesterday we eloped at the ages of 22 and 23 with no real plan, only a vision for the life we wanted to build together.

At the time, we never could have imagined that one day I’d be running for Congress. And I’m not so sure she would’ve said “I do” if she had known.

But through it all, she’s stood beside me with love and support, and I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to have her.

The District 8 Convention today reminded me that so many people across this district care deeply about the future of our country and are willing to stand up and fight for it.

The American people are hungry for honesty, accountability, and representation that actually serves them.

Extraordinary things can happen when everyday Americans come together to build something better.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize today’s event, everyone who participated, and everyone continuing to stay engaged and involved.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. Thank you for showing up every day, regardless of what you’re going through. Thank you for the positive impact you have on our lives, shaping our communities and showing us how to love and care for one another.

And to all the single mothers out there, I can’t imagine how much strength that takes. We see you, we recognize you, and we thank you.

Alexis and I spent the day walking the nature trails with the kids, and it was exactly what we needed. I hope all the moms out there got to do exactly what you wanted today. You all deserve it.