2026 Georgia General Election

2026 Georgia Primary Election

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Benjamin Luther Watson (Ben Watson) is a native of Twin City, Georgia. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and his medical degree (M.D.) from the Medical College of Georgia. He currently resides on the Isle of Hope.

Ben has served as a primary care physician in Savannah, Georgia, since 1988. He practices internal medicine with a specialized focus on geriatrics, caring primarily for elderly patients.

Ben is serving as the State Senator for Georgia State Senate District 1. He assumed office in January 2015.

Said, "helped pass a 10 percent income tax cut for Georgians — the largest income tax cut in state history. The tax reduces the rate from 6.0 to 5.5 percent and doubles the standard deduction for all Georgians."

- Said, "helped pass a 10 percent income tax cut for Georgians — the largest income tax cut in state history. The tax reduces the rate from 6.0 to 5.5 percent and doubles the standard deduction for all Georgians."

Economy

Sponsored legislation (SB 447) revising provisions related to the control of soil erosion and sedimentation.

Sponsored HB 445 to amend the current Shore Protection Act and better protect our coastline.

- Sponsored legislation (SB 447) revising provisions related to the control of soil erosion and sedimentation.
- Sponsored HB 445 to amend the current Shore Protection Act and better protect our coastline.

Energy & the Environment

Sponsored "The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act" (SB 16), which added Georgia to the list of states that accept each other’s medical licenses, allowing doctors to easily practice across state lines to combat Georgia's physician shortage.

Sponsored SB 16, “The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act,” to add Georgia to the list of states that accept each other’s medical licenses.

Supported the “Patients First Act” to allow Georgia to request federal waivers for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. SB 106 will help increase access to health care in our state and lower insurance premiums.

- Sponsored "The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act" (SB 16), which added Georgia to the list of states that accept each other’s medical licenses, allowing doctors to easily practice across state lines to combat Georgia's physician shortage.
- Sponsored SB 16, “The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act,” to add Georgia to the list of states that accept each other’s medical licenses.
- Supported the “Patients First Act” to allow Georgia to request federal waivers for Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. SB 106 will help increase access to health care in our state and lower insurance premiums.

Healthcare

As of March 11, 2026, Benjamin Luther Watson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Public Safety

Sponsored legislation (SB 523) requiring public schools and postsecondary educational institutions to consider antisemitism in the same manner as discrimination based on religion.

Sponsored the "True Patriotism and Universal Student Access (TPUSA) Act" (SB 552) to provide equal access to public schools for students engaging in political clubs and organizations.

- Sponsored legislation (SB 523) requiring public schools and postsecondary educational institutions to consider antisemitism in the same manner as discrimination based on religion.
- Sponsored the "True Patriotism and Universal Student Access (TPUSA) Act" (SB 552) to provide equal access to public schools for students engaging in political clubs and organizations.

Education

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Benjamin Luther Watson

- Your state senator represents the interests of your district in the Georgia State Senate.
- Your state senator can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws after going through the legislative process. 
- State Senators are involved in approving some appointments by the Governor.
- The State Senate, along with the State House of Representatives, makes up our state lawmaking body: the Georgia General Assembly.
- There are 56 Georgia senators, each representing a single district.
- State Senators are elected to two-year terms. They are paid a yearly salary of $17,342.

Your representative and state lawmaker in the Georgia Senate

Georgia State Senator, District 1, Republican Primary

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