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

Scott Franklin is an American politician and military veteran serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 18th congressional district, which is centered on the Lakeland area in Polk County, Florida. A member of the Republican Party, Franklin has held elected office in Congress since first winning his seat in 2020. Before entering politics, he had a career as a naval aviator and later worked in the insurance and real estate industries. In the U.S. House, Franklin has served on multiple committees, including the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he has chaired hearings on topics such as the role of weather satellites in national security operations. His district, which was redrawn following the 2020 census, encompasses parts of central Florida. Franklin has drawn both Republican support and Democratic challengers during his tenure in Congress.

Early Life

Scott Franklin was born on August 23, 1964, in Thomasville, Georgia. He grew up in a military-connected family environment, which influenced his later decision to pursue a career in the United States Navy. Details about his parents and childhood upbringing are limited in publicly available sources, though his subsequent military career and later settlement in the Lakeland, Florida, area suggest deep ties to the southeastern United States.

Franklin's early years were shaped by the values of service and discipline that would define much of his adult life. He eventually relocated to Florida, where he would build both his professional career and his political base in Polk County.

Education

Franklin attended the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, where he earned his undergraduate degree. His education at the Naval Academy prepared him for a career as a naval aviator. He later pursued additional professional development in the business sector after leaving active military service.

Career

Military Service

After graduating from the Naval Academy, Franklin served as a pilot in the United States Navy, flying various naval aircraft during his years of active duty. His military service spanned multiple years and included operational deployments. Franklin's background as a naval aviator has been a significant part of his public identity and political biography, frequently referenced in his campaigns and official communications.

Business Career

Following his military service, Franklin transitioned into the private sector. He became involved in the insurance and real estate industries in the Lakeland, Florida, area. He built a career as a businessman in Polk County, establishing himself as a known figure in the local business community before turning to politics.

Entry into Politics

Franklin's political career began at the local level. He served on the Lakeland City Commission, gaining experience in municipal governance. This local-level service provided a foundation for his subsequent campaign for federal office.

U.S. House of Representatives

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. He represents a district centered on Lakeland and encompassing portions of Polk County and surrounding areas in central Florida. The district was renumbered and redrawn following the 2020 census redistricting cycle, and Franklin has continued to represent the area under its current designation as Florida's 18th congressional district.

In Congress, Franklin has served on several committees. He has been notably active on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he has risen to a leadership role. In January 2026, Franklin chaired a hearing titled "From Orbit to Operations: How Weather Satellites Support the National Security Mission," during which he delivered opening remarks and questioned a panel of expert witnesses on the intersection of satellite technology and military readiness. In his opening statement, Franklin emphasized the importance of weather satellite data to national security operations, underscoring the committee's oversight role in ensuring that military and civilian agencies have access to reliable meteorological information from orbit.

Franklin's legislative work has focused on issues relevant to his central Florida constituency, including matters related to agriculture, veterans' affairs, and defense. His military background has informed his approach to defense-related policy and his committee assignments.

2026 Election Cycle

As of early 2026, Franklin faces prospective challengers for his congressional seat. In February 2026, former Lake Wales Commissioner Curtis Gibson, a Democrat, filed to run for the U.S. House in District 18, joining at least one other Democratic candidate seeking to challenge Franklin. The filing of two Democratic candidates indicated that Franklin's seat was expected to be contested in the upcoming election cycle. Franklin, described in reporting as "R-Lakeland," holds the incumbency advantage in a district that has leaned Republican in recent election cycles.

Committee Leadership and Policy Focus

Franklin's chairmanship of hearings on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee reflects a broader interest in the role of technology and space-based assets in American defense and economic competitiveness. His January 2026 hearing on weather satellites examined how orbital platforms provide data that supports military operations, disaster preparedness, and civilian weather forecasting. In his opening remarks at the hearing, Franklin thanked the assembled panel of witnesses for sharing their expertise and framed the discussion around the operational importance of satellite-derived weather intelligence.

This focus on space and technology policy aligns with Florida's broader role as a hub for the aerospace industry, given the state's proximity to Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, as well as the growing commercial space sector along Florida's Space Coast. While Franklin's district does not directly encompass the Space Coast, central Florida's economy is connected to the aerospace supply chain and defense infrastructure.

Personal Life

Scott Franklin resides in Lakeland, Florida, where he has been based for much of his post-military career. He and his family have been part of the Lakeland community for an extended period, during which he built his business career and entered public service through the city commission before seeking federal office.

Franklin's identity as a veteran has been a central aspect of his public persona. His service in the Navy as an aviator has been a recurring theme in his political campaigns and official biography, connecting him to the substantial veteran community in central Florida.

Recognition

Franklin's election to Congress in 2020 represented a notable political achievement, as he defeated an incumbent in a primary election — a relatively uncommon occurrence in congressional politics. His subsequent reelection and rise to a committee chairmanship on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee reflect his growing influence within the Republican conference in the House.

His role as chairman of hearings on space and technology policy has placed him in a position of oversight over significant federal programs related to weather satellites and national security infrastructure.