Ben Franklin (Wisconsin politician)

Ben Franklin
Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 88th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 6, 2025
Preceded by	John Macco
Personal details
Born	(1982-10-01) October 1, 1982 (age 42) Keokuk, Iowa, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Sharon
Children	2
Residence	De Pere, Wisconsin
Education	Trident University International (B.A.)
Website	Campaign website
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Air Force U.S. Army Reserve

Benjamin Franklin (born October 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.

Early life and career

Franklin was born in Keokuk, Iowa, in October 1982. During his youth, 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]

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.

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)

Year	Election	Date	Elected				Defeated				Total	Plurality
2024	Primary[7]	Aug. 13	Benjamin Franklin	Republican	4,608	67.62%	Phil Collins	Rep.	2,181	32.00%	6,815	2,427
	General[8]	Nov. 5	Benjamin Franklin	Republican	17,008	50.29%	Christy Welch	Dem.	16,788	49.64%	33,818	220

References

1. "About Ben". Franklin For Wisconsin. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
2. Hale, Lisa M. (April 5, 2024). "Ben Franklin runs for 88th Assembly District". Civic Media. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
3. Calvi, Jason (August 1, 2024). "Election campaign mailers; WI Assembly candidates worry about 'lies'". FOX6 Milwaukee. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
4. "Voter Guide - Assembly District 88". Wisconsin Watch. September 6, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
5. "Benjamin Franklin Pledges to Support Congressional Term Limits". U.S. Term Limits. September 23, 2024. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
6. "Wisconsin 2024 General Election Results". PBS Wisconsin. November 5, 2024. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
7. County by County Report - 2024 Partisan Primary (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. August 26, 2024. p. 187. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
8. County by County Report - 2024 General Election (PDF) (Report). Wisconsin Elections Commission. November 27, 2024. p. 88. Retrieved November 30, 2024.