My name is Colby Watson. I'm a husband, father, and small business owner.
I was born and raised in Union County, where I was homeschooled and earned my high school diploma. After graduation, I went directly into the workforce. College was not an option for me at that time. Like many young people, I didn’t have a clear path forward and had to figure things out the hard way. I worked jobs in the farming and construction industries, learning the value of hard work and persistence.
At 23, I married the love of my life, and together we’ve been blessed with two wonderful children. By 25, I began to find real direction. My brother and I worked in business together, building a company that grew to employ more than 50 people. That experience gave me firsthand insight into creating jobs and supporting working families.
Unlike many politicians, I do not hold a fancy degree. But I have never stopped learning, whether through reading, taking courses at CPCC, or through trial and error in business.
Eventually, I struck out on my own, and through perseverance, setbacks, and hard lessons, I built a career as a federal contractor. Through it all, I have always had a fervent belief that everyone deserves an equal and fair opportunity in this country.
Nothing in my life has ever been handed to me. I’ve worked for every opportunity I’ve had, and I have walked a mile in the shoes of the everyday American facing the same struggles, sacrifices, and hard choices as the families across this district.