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Party:
Currently represents District 18
Scott Franklin
Currently represents District 18
Curtis Gibson
3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.
Scott Franklin
Curtis Gibson
Position on major issues
Curtis Gibson is a lifelong Lake Wales resident who believes true leadership is not just about making policies. It is about signing paychecks, serving the community, and understanding the hustle of working families across Florida’s Heartland. From Lake Wales to the wider communities of Central Florida’s 18th District, Curtis has spent his life focused on service, accountability, and real-world results.
Party:
Deva Simmons, a Brooklyn native and longtime Polk County resident, has spent over two decades serving students, families, and local organizations through education, advocacy, and volunteer work. Now running for Congress in Florida’s 18th District, she aims to bring her dedication, compassion, and community-focused leadership to Washington.
Party:
3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.
We share more ground than you might expect
Common Ground
Thinking for yourself matters
Position on major issues
Position on major issues
Position on major issues
Abortion and reproductive policy
Official statement
As a devout Christian, I will continue to fight for religious freedom for every American. Read full quote
Scott understands the importance of faith, family, and personal responsibility. Read full quote
Sources
https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14893
https://www.votescottfranklin.com/services
No public position found.
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Agriculture and rural policy
Official statement
.R. 662, the Block Grant Assistance Act – This bill ensures the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) can provide needed relief to agriculture producers devastated by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole. Read full quote
Official statement
.R. 1750, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act – This bill would adjust the required level of sugars/solids content (Brix standard) in not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 percent weight of orange juice soluble solids to 10 percent. Read full quote
He is a strong advocate for Florida agriculture, working to protect farmers and ranchers from devastating weather events, reduce regulatory burdens, and ensure a stable and secure food supply.
Sources
https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14892
Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260927011858/https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14892https://www.votescottfranklin.com/about
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I’ll fight for smarter support for growers, stronger pathways to replant resilient citrus, and policies that protect agriculture from being pushed aside by unchecked development.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issues
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Artificial intelligence
Official record
Cosponsored AI OVERWATCH Act
Cosponsored AI Security and Innovation Act
Voted Yes on AI for Main Street Act
No public position found.
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Civil rights and freedoms
Official statement
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution gives all Americans the right to practice his or her religion – or no religion – without persecution or oppression from the government. As a devout Christian, I will continue to fight for religious freedom for every American.
Official record
Sources
https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14893
+8 more
No public position found.
Defending Democracy: Her governance platform prioritizes civil liberties and institutional fairness, explicitly advocating for the protection of voting rights and an end to partisan gerrymandering in legislative map-making.
Sources
https://www.devasimmons.com/
No public positions found.
Criminal justice and policing
Official record
Voted Yes on National Fraud Enforcement Division Act of 2026
Voted Yes on GUARD Act
Cosponsored Stopping Harmful and Outrageous Torts Act
No public position found.
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Economy, jobs and wages
In Congress, Scott is fighting to rein in out of control federal spending, exposing and eliminating fraud, reducing the regulatory burden on small businesses, and creating an environment where American companies can grow and compete. Read full quote
Scott is also focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, securing supply chains, and unleashing American energy to drive down costs and create jobs. Franklin is working to restore economic stability, expand opportunity, and ensure the American Dream remains within reach.
Official statement
As a businessman, I believe in lowering taxes, reducing wasteful spending and eliminating excessive regulations in order to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Read full quote
Sources
https://www.votescottfranklin.com/serviceshttps://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14891Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260927011353/https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14891
+145 more
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Building an economy that works for working families. Creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and ensuring fair wages.
Working families deserve an economy that works for them, not just the wealthy few. I will fight for policies that lift up all Floridians.
Raising the minimum wage to a living wage
Sources
https://www.devasimmons.com/enhttps://www.devasimmons.com/en/issues
+3 more
No public positions found.
Education
Official record
Voted Yes on Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act of 2026
Voted Yes on No Aid for Ghost Students Act of 2026
Voted Yes on Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act
No public position found.
Ensuring every Florida student has access to high-quality education. Investing in our children means investing in our future.
As an educator with over 20 years of experience, I understand the transformative power of quality education. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Supporting vocational and technical training
Sources
https://www.devasimmons.com/enhttps://www.devasimmons.com/en/issues
+1 more
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Elections and voting
Official record
Cosponsored Make Elections Great Again Act
No public position found.
Protecting voting rights and ensuring every voice is heard. Democracy thrives when all citizens can participate.
Our democracy is only as strong as our commitment to protect it. I will fight to ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted.
Sources
https://www.devasimmons.com/enhttps://www.devasimmons.com/en/issues
No public positions found.
Energy
Scott is also focused on strengthening domestic manufacturing, securing supply chains, and unleashing American energy to drive down costs and create jobs. Franklin is working to restore economic stability, expand opportunity, and ensure the American Dream remains within reach.
He is working to lower costs for families, unleash American energy, support small businesses, and roll back the red tape that stifles growth and innovation. He is also committed to securing the border, rebuilding our military, and standing strong against threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries.
Official record
Voted Yes on Ratepayer Protection Act
No public position found.
Creating good-paying jobs in clean energy
No public positions found.
Environment and climate
Official statement
.R. 2942, the Conservation Reserve Program Amendments Act – This critical bill will protect Florida citrus groves by making them eligible for enrollment in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a federal initiative designed to protect vulnerable farmland. Read full quote
Official record
Sources
https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14892Archived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260927011858/https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14892
+93 more
No public position found.
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Families and social services
Official record
Voted Yes on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act
Voted Yes on Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026
No public position found.
No public position found.
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Firearms policy
As a gun owner, Scott understands the right to protect yourself, your family, and your property is fundamental. Read full quote
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Government reform
He is also focused on strengthening America’s defense posture, securing the border, restoring fiscal discipline in Washington, and holding the federal government accountable to taxpayers.
Official record
Voted Yes on LACA
No public position found.
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Healthcare
In Congress, Scott is pushing back against reckless spending that has driven our national debt past $38 trillion and fueled inflation that is hitting Florida families at the grocery store, the gas pump, and everywhere in between. Read full quote
Official record
Cosponsored ASAP Act
I’ll fight to cut through the red tape and make sure veterans in the Heartland can access timely, local medical care. If the VA cannot provide care close to home and within a reasonable timeframe, veterans should have a clear path to covered local providers without the runaround.
I see the 'middle-class squeeze' every day. I see it when seniors are forced to choose between medication and groceries. I see it when our veterans return home only to be met with red tape instead of results.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issueshttps://votecurtisgibson.comArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000621/https://votecurtisgibson.com
Fighting for accessible, quality healthcare for all families in District 18. Everyone deserves the right to see a doctor without financial fear.
Healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege. I will fight to ensure every family in District 18 has access to quality, affordable healthcare.
Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors
Sources
https://www.devasimmons.com/enhttps://www.devasimmons.com/en/issues
+3 more
No public positions found.
Housing
Official record
Voted Yes on Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025
Voted Yes on Providing for the concurrence by the House in the Senate amendment to H.R. 6644, with amendment.
Cosponsored Restoring Equal Opportunity Act
I’ll push for a federal reinsurance backstop to help stabilize the market, lower risk, and bring real pressure down on premium costs. Read full quote
Focus: Property Insurance Stability, Veterans’ Healthcare Access, Property Tax Relief.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issueshttps://votecurtisgibson.comArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000621/https://votecurtisgibson.com
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Immigration
He is working to lower costs for families, unleash American energy, support small businesses, and roll back the red tape that stifles growth and innovation. He is also committed to securing the border, rebuilding our military, and standing strong against threats from China, Iran, and other adversaries.
He is also focused on strengthening America’s defense posture, securing the border, restoring fiscal discipline in Washington, and holding the federal government accountable to taxpayers.
Official record
Voted Yes on Secure America Act
Sources
https://www.votescottfranklin.com/serviceshttps://www.votescottfranklin.com/about
+52 more
No public position found.
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Infrastructure and transportation
Official record
Voted Yes on Water Resources Development Act of 2026
Voted Yes on Improving Travel for American Families Act
I’ll fight for Heartland infrastructure funding, prioritize safety fixes at key choke points, and demand accountability so projects do not get buried in delays and excuses.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issues
No public position found.
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Local control
Official record
No public position found.
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National security and foreign policy
Official statement
We are in an era of Great Power Competition with China and Russia, coupled with threats from rogue regimes in Iran and North Korea. Read full quote
Official statement
Our service members should never be used for social experiments or to advance a political agenda. As a member of the Armed Services Committee in my first term, I secured several key provisions in the Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). These provisions include:
Official statement
In the 118th Congress, I now serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Read full quote
Sources
https://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14894
+189 more
No public position found.
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Social Security and retirement
No public position found.
Protection for Seniors: He explicitly pledges to protect Medicare and Social Security from federal budget cuts and predatory scams.
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Taxes and government spending
Washington has a spending problem and the American people are paying the price. Read full quote
On the House Appropriations Committee, Scott is on the front lines of the fight to control federal spending and ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. He is pushing back against bloated government programs and fighting for policies that strengthen our economy and protect our freedoms.
Official statement
In the 118th Congress, I now serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Read full quote
Sources
https://www.votescottfranklin.com/serviceshttps://franklin.house.gov/issues/issue/?IssueID=14894
+115 more
I’ll support policies that protect homeowners, seniors, and working families from being taxed out of stability. Relief should start with the people carrying the weight of this economy, not with more excuses from Washington.
Focus: Property Insurance Stability, Veterans’ Healthcare Access, Property Tax Relief.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issueshttps://votecurtisgibson.comArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000621/https://votecurtisgibson.com
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Technology and privacy
Official record
Cosponsored AI OVERWATCH Act
Cosponsored FRONTIER Act
Voted Yes on Sunshine Protection Act of 2025
No public position found.
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No public positions found.
Veterans
He knows from experience peace is not maintained through rhetoric, it is secured through strength, readiness, and resolve. Read full quote
Official record
I’ll fight to cut through the red tape and make sure veterans in the Heartland can access timely, local medical care. If the VA cannot provide care close to home and within a reasonable timeframe, veterans should have a clear path to covered local providers without the runaround.
I see the 'middle-class squeeze' every day. I see it when seniors are forced to choose between medication and groceries. I see it when our veterans return home only to be met with red tape instead of results.
Focus: Property Insurance Stability, Veterans’ Healthcare Access, Property Tax Relief.
Sources
https://votecurtisgibson.com/issuesArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000719/https://votecurtisgibson.com/issueshttps://votecurtisgibson.comArchived copy: https://web.archive.org/web/20260929000621/https://votecurtisgibson.com
No public position found.
No public positions found.
Animals and wildlife
Official record
Voted Yes on Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026
Cosponsored FIGHT Act of 2025
No public position found.
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Emergency management
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Coverage differs between candidates because it depends on what each candidate has published. A short list does not mean a candidate has no views.
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Scott Franklin
Curtis Gibson
Deva Simmons
Scott Franklin
Currently represents District 18
Visit the campaign site
Connect with Scott Franklin:
Curtis Gibson
Curtis Gibson is a lifelong Lake Wales resident who believes true leadership is not just about making policies. It is about signing paychecks, serving the community, and understanding the hustle of working families across Florida’s Heartland. From Lake Wales to the wider communities of Central Florida’s 18th District, Curtis has spent his life focused on service, accountability, and real-world results.
Visit the campaign site
Connect with Curtis Gibson:
Deva Simmons
Deva Simmons, a Brooklyn native and longtime Polk County resident, has spent over two decades serving students, families, and local organizations through education, advocacy, and volunteer work. Now running for Congress in Florida’s 18th District, she aims to bring her dedication, compassion, and community-focused leadership to Washington.
Visit the campaign site
Connect with Deva Simmons:
Running for
Representative in Congress, District 18
Thinking for yourself matters
Position on major issues
Common Ground
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