FLORIDA, USA — Incumbent Republican Scott Franklin is projected to retain his seat as U.S. Rep. for Florida’s 18th congressional district, beating out Democratic nominee Andrea Doria Kale, according to the Associated Press.
Franklin has served as the representative for Florida's 18th Congressional District since 2020.
During his term in 2023, he was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee where served on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Legislative Branch subcommittees.
He is also a part of the House Veterans Affairs Committee; House Science, Space and Technology Committee; and the Naval Academy Board of Visitors.
Outside of his political career, Franklin is a 20-year veteran in insurance and risk management, having led Lanier Upshaw in Lakeland as President and CEO before merging with BKS Partners in 2020.
Franklin also served as a naval aviator, flying jets on 13 aircraft carriers during 26 years of service, including 14 on active duty and 12 in the reserves.
Now re-elected, Franklin will continue to focus on Florida’s agriculture industry. He’s already introduced multiple pieces of legislation that would affect agriculture producers and the citrus industry, including the Block Grant Assistance Act, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act and the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act.
In addition, Franklin says he will support expanding access to health savings accounts, enabling recipients to set aside pre-tax dollars for their healthcare costs and the services HSAs cover.