Scott Franklin

Scott Franklin
Born	23 8, 1964
Birthplace	Thomasville, Georgia, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician
Known for	U.S. Representative for Florida's 18th congressional district (formerly 15th)

Scott Franklin is an American politician and businessman serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 18th congressional district, a seat he has held since January 2021 (initially representing Florida's 15th congressional district before redistricting). A member of the Republican Party, Franklin represents a district centered on Lakeland, Florida, and the surrounding areas of Polk County. Before entering Congress, Franklin had a career as a U.S. Navy pilot and later worked in business. In the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, he has served in a leadership capacity, including as chairman of proceedings examining how weather satellites support national security operations. His congressional tenure has included work on defense, veterans' affairs, and science policy. As of early 2026, Franklin faces potential challengers in the upcoming election cycle, with Democrats filing to contest his seat in Florida's 18th district.

Early Life

Scott Franklin was born on August 23, 1964, in Thomasville, Georgia. He grew up in a military-oriented household and developed an interest in aviation and public service from a young age. Franklin's upbringing in the southeastern United States shaped his conservative political outlook and commitment to military service, which would become central themes throughout his career.

Details about Franklin's childhood and family background prior to his military career remain limited in publicly available sources. What is known is that he pursued a path toward naval aviation, a decision that would define the first major chapter of his professional life.

Career

Military Service

Franklin served as a pilot in the United States Navy, accumulating significant flight experience over the course of his military career. His service included time flying various naval aircraft, and his background as a Navy veteran became a cornerstone of his public identity when he later entered politics. Franklin's military career gave him experience in defense and national security matters that he would later draw upon as a member of Congress.

Business Career

After leaving the Navy, Franklin transitioned into the private sector, building a career in business in the Lakeland, Florida area. He became involved in commercial enterprises in Polk County, establishing himself as a member of the local business community. His business background became part of his political platform when he first sought elected office, presenting himself as someone with both military discipline and private-sector experience.

Political Career

Entry into Congress

Franklin first won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, defeating the incumbent in a Republican primary before winning the general election to represent Florida's 15th congressional district. His campaign emphasized his military service, business experience, and conservative policy positions. The district, centered on Lakeland and parts of Polk County, was considered a reliably Republican seat.

Following redistricting after the 2020 Census, Franklin's district was renumbered as Florida's 18th congressional district. He continued to represent much of the same geographic area, including Lakeland and surrounding communities in Polk County.

Committee Assignments and Legislative Work

In Congress, Franklin has served on several committees, with notable assignments including the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. By January 2026, Franklin had risen to a chairmanship role within the committee. In that capacity, he presided over a hearing titled "From Orbit to Operations: How Weather Satellites Support the National Security Mission," where he delivered the opening statement and introduced a panel of expert witnesses to discuss the intersection of satellite technology and defense operations.

In his opening remarks at the hearing, Franklin stated: "Good morning, and thank you to our panel of witnesses for taking the time to share your expertise with us today," before outlining the committee's interest in understanding how weather satellite data contributes to military readiness and national security planning. The hearing reflected Franklin's broader interest in the nexus between space technology, weather forecasting, and defense policy—areas where his background as a Navy pilot and his committee assignment converge.

Franklin's legislative priorities have generally aligned with the Republican caucus, focusing on defense spending, veterans' issues, fiscal conservatism, and deregulation. His district in central Florida, with its proximity to military installations and its reliance on agriculture and tourism, has influenced his policy focus areas.

2026 Election Cycle

As of February 2026, Franklin's seat in Florida's 18th congressional district has attracted Democratic challengers. Curtis Gibson, a former commissioner from Lake Wales, filed to run for the U.S. House against Franklin, becoming one of at least two Democrats to enter the race. The filing by Gibson and other candidates signaled that Democrats intended to contest the district, though it had been considered a safe Republican seat in previous election cycles.

The Lakeland Ledger reported on February 7, 2026, that Gibson's entry into the race added another name to the list of candidates seeking to challenge the incumbent Republican. Franklin, as the sitting congressman with the advantages of incumbency, name recognition, and fundraising capacity in a district that has favored Republican candidates, was expected to be the frontrunner going into the election.

Personal Life

Scott Franklin resides in Lakeland, Florida, where he has been based for much of his post-military career. He has been involved in the Lakeland community through both his business ventures and his political activities. Franklin's identity as a Navy veteran remains central to his public persona, and he has frequently referenced his military service in his congressional work and public statements.

Further details about Franklin's personal and family life beyond his professional and political activities are limited in available sourced material.

Recognition

Franklin's chairmanship of hearings within the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology represents a significant position of influence within the committee structure of the U.S. House of Representatives. His role in leading discussions on the national security applications of weather satellite technology indicates the trust placed in him by House Republican leadership to oversee technically complex policy discussions at the intersection of science and defense.

As a Navy veteran serving in Congress, Franklin is part of a cohort of military veterans in the House and Senate who bring direct defense and national security experience to legislative deliberations. His transition from naval aviation to business to politics represents a career trajectory shared by a number of contemporary Republican members of Congress.