Biography

Clifford Scott Franklin, born on August 23, 1964, in Thomaston, Georgia, is a Republican politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 18th Congressional District since January 3, 2023. He previously represented Florida's 15th Congressional District from 2021 to 2023. Before his congressional tenure, Franklin had a distinguished 26-year career as a Naval Aviator, including 14 years on active duty and 12 years in the reserves. He flew jets from 13 aircraft carriers, with deployments to the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, and North Atlantic, participating in combat operations in the Gulf, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Following the September 11 attacks, he was recalled to active duty twice with U.S. Central Command. After retiring from the Navy with the rank of Commander, Franklin transitioned to the insurance and risk management industry, leading Lanier Upshaw in Lakeland, Florida, as President and CEO for 20 years before merging it into BKS Partners in 2020.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Naval Academy, 1986.
• Master of Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, 1994.
• Graduate of the Air Command and Staff College.
• Completed the Wharton Executive Leadership Development Program.

Political Experience

• Lakeland City Commissioner : Elected as a city commissioner for the Southeast district of Lakeland, Florida, succeeding longtime incumbent Edie Yates.
• Mayor Pro Tem of Lakeland : Served as Mayor Pro Tem prior to running for Congress.
• U.S. House of Representatives:
  • Florida's 15th Congressional District : Elected in 2020, defeating Democratic nominee Alan Cohn.
  • Florida's 18th Congressional District : Elected in 2022 and re-elected in 2024, defeating Democratic challenger Andrea Doria Kale with 65.3% of the vote.

Notable Achievements and Positions

• Committee Assignments:

  • House Appropriations Committee: Serving on the Subcommittees for Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration; and Energy and Water.
  • House Science, Space, and Technology Committee: Chairman of the Environment Subcommittee.
  • Naval Academy Board of Visitors: Appointed by Speaker McCarthy in 2023.

• Legislative Initiatives:

  • Block Grant Assistance Act: Ensures the U.S. Department of Agriculture can provide relief to agriculture producers devastated by hurricanes.
  • Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act: Adjusts the required level of sugars/solids content in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice to support domestic citrus growers.
  • Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act: Protects Florida citrus groves by making them eligible for enrollment in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program.

• Community Involvement: Served in leadership roles with organizations such as the Florida chapter of Young Presidents Organization , Lakeland Economic Development Council, Lakeland Rotary Club, and the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.

Franklin's diverse background in military service, business leadership, and local governance informs his legislative priorities, particularly in supporting Florida's agriculture industry and veterans' affairs.