Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
Ben Franklin (Wisconsin politician)
American politician (born 1982) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
Benjamin Franklin (born October 16, 1982) is an American small business owner and Republican politician from De Pere, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, representing Wisconsin's 88th Assembly district since 2025.
Remove ads
Early life and career
Franklin was born in Carthage, Illinois, on October 16 1982. During his youth, his family moved to Keokuk, Iowa, where he attended Keokuk high school and volunteered for various community organizations such as Relay for Life, Bowl for Kids Sake, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Boy Scouts of America, and attended his local church.[1] After graduating high school, Franklin enlisted in the United States Air Force, and it was during his service that he met and married his wife Sharon.[1]
While serving in the Air Force, Franklin also continued his education through Trident University International, and earned his bachelor's degree.[1]
Remove ads
Political career
Under the new state legislative maps, the 88th Assembly district was slightly modified, removing some rural areas of Brown county and adding in De Pere and Allouez. The new map also drew John Macco into an incumbent-incumbent matchup against fellow Republican legislator Shae Sortwell. Franklin announced he would run for State Assembly under the new maps.[2] He faced one opponent in the Republican Primary, 2020 Prohibition nominee for president, Phil Collins, also from De Pere. During the campaign, Franklin's campaign sent out fliers claiming his opponent opposed the sale of beer and opposed former president, and 2024 presidential candidate, Donald Trump.[3] Under the new maps, the 88th was projected to be one of the most competitive in the state, and drew in significant amounts of funding and attention.[4] During the general election campaign, Franklin signed a pledge to support Congressional Term Limits.[5] He ultimately prevailed over his Democratic opponent, Christy Welch, chair of the Democratic Party of Brown County by 0.6%.[6] He took office in January 2025.
Remove ads
Awards and decorations
Franklin was awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for his service in the Air Force.[1]
Personal life
Franklin lives in De Pere, Wisconsin, with his wife and two children.[1]
Electoral history
Wisconsin Assembly (2024)
Remove ads
References
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads