Curtis
Gibson
Democrat Curtis Gibson challenges incumbent Rep. Scott Franklin in Florida's 18th Congressional District in 2026.
- sources
- 6
- positions
- 7
- endorsements
- 4
Background
Curtis Gibson is a Democrat challenging Republican incumbent Scott Franklin in Florida's 18th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. A lifelong Lake Wales resident, Gibson holds an associate's degree in criminal justice from Bryant & Stratton College and a bachelor's degree in business administration from Keiser University, and is also a police academy graduate. 5911
Gibson previously served as a Lake Wales City Commissioner from approximately May 2017 to August 2021. Before and alongside his public service, he worked as a USPS letter carrier, a ramp PA agent at Lakeland Linder International Airport, a Polk County School Board paraprofessional, and as a wrestling and football coach. 1011
As of the 2026 campaign, Gibson is employed as the property manager of Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales and identifies as a small-business owner. His campaign, operating under the banner "The Heartland's Voice," focuses on issues affecting Florida's Heartland region. 1114
At a glance
- Party
- Democratic
- Running for
- U.S. House · District 18, Florida
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
- Current office
- Property Manager, Eagle Ridge Mall; Small-Business Owner
- Website
- votecurtisgibson.com(opens in a new tab)
Where they stand
Each position links to the page it was drawn from. Quotes are verbatim.
Timeline
- Oct 11pollCall the Map forecast gives Gibson just 3.3% chance of winning FL-18
Call the Map's model-based forecast (updated October 11–12) gave Gibson a 3.3% chance of winning FL-18 against Republican incumbent Scott Franklin. These are model forecasts, not polling results.
FL-18: Franklin 97 in 100 — Call the Map - 2026 Election Forecasts · Sep 15, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 11pollFutureBallot forecast gives Gibson 8% chance of winning FL-18
FutureBallot's model-based forecast (updated October 11–12) gave Gibson an 8% chance of winning and incumbent Scott Franklin a 92% chance. No district poll was identified.
FL-18 2026 House forecast - FutureBallot · Oct 11, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 6newsGibson's FEC fundraising snapshot: $12,208 raised, $1,452 cash on hand as of June 30
LKLDNow reported, based on the most recent FEC filings then available, that Gibson had raised $12,208, spent $10,756, and had $1,452 cash on hand as of June 30. Updated reports covering activity through September 30 were due October 15.
US House, District 18 · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1endorsementLKLDNow voter guide publishes Gibson's policy positions and endorsements
The LKLDNow voter guide (published October 1, updated October 6) reported that Gibson received endorsements from Florida State Representative Angie Nixon, Democratic municipal officials, and local labor and community leaders and organizations. The guide does not specify when the endorsements were made.
US House, District 18 · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Oct 1newsGibson outlines policy stances in LKLDNow voter guide responses
In responses published in the LKLDNow voter guide, Gibson stated he would support a federal catastrophic reinsurance backstop for property insurance, seek federal infrastructure grants, oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and expand Medicare drug-price negotiations.
US House, District 18 · Oct 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) - Aug 18filingCurtis Gibson wins Democratic primary in FL-18, advancing to November general election
Gibson won the August 18 primary and became the Democratic nominee challenging Republican incumbent Scott Franklin in Florida's 18th Congressional District. Independent Deva Simmons is also running.
Curtis Gibson — U.S. House candidate (Democrat, Florida, District 18) · Sep 27, 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Endorsements
- Grassroots local labor and community leaders otherListed in LkldNow voter guide for Florida's 18th District. No specific individuals or unions named. No endorsement date given. Not independently confirmed. lkldnow.com
- Organizations and Caucuses organizationListed in LkldNow voter guide for Florida's 18th District. No specific organizations or caucuses identified. No endorsement date given. Not independently confirmed. lkldnow.com
- State Representative Angie Nixon officialListed in LkldNow voter guide for Florida's 18th District. No endorsement date given. Not independently confirmed. lkldnow.com
- Democratic Municipal Officials organizationListed in LkldNow voter guide for Florida's 18th District. No specific individuals or organizations named. No endorsement date given. Not independently confirmed. lkldnow.com
Campaign finance
Totals filed with the Federal Election Commission for the 2026 election cycle.
- Raised
- $12K
- Spent
- $11K
- Cash on hand
- $1,452
As of Jun 30, 2026. Filings are periodic, so recent money may not be included yet. ↳ FEC record H6FL18212(opens in a new tab)
Sources 6
- [1] FL-18 2026 House forecast - FutureBallot(opens in a new tab) Oct 11, 2026
- [2] Curtis Gibson | The Heartland's Voice(opens in a new tab) Oct 6, 2026
- [3] US House, District 18(opens in a new tab) Oct 2, 2026
- [4] Curtis Gibson — U.S. House candidate (Democrat, Florida, District 18)(opens in a new tab) Sep 27, 2026
- [5] FL-18: Franklin 97 in 100 — Call the Map - 2026 Election Forecasts(opens in a new tab) Sep 15, 2026
- [6] Where I Stand(opens in a new tab) Jun 19, 2026