U.S. House District 3 Franky Franco
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
1. What makes you the best candidate in a crowded field running for this office?
In 1959, Fidel Castro and his band of Communist radicals seized power on the island of Cuba, and everything changed. Castro’s policies were ruthless. He eliminated the free press, jailed political dissidents, nationalized all industry and business, and instituted a one-party state. One man and one ideology destroyed the Cuban nation.
My mother’s family experienced this calamity. They were farmers in Cuba during this time. My family disagreed with Castro’s policies and joined in a plot to aid the resistance by storing arms at a neighboring farm. But the Communists discovered the plot, and my family fled the country because the danger was too great. They would later learn that a family friend was executed for his role in the plot. My family received political asylum in the United States, and a church in the Upstate supported my family with temporary housing and a job to help get us on our feet. That is why my family roots for the last 60 years have been in South Carolina.
From a young age, I was captivated by the promise of America. I devoured books on American history and biographies of great leaders. I read stories about immigrants like the Pilgrims and Quakers coming to the New World seeking political freedom, religious freedom and economic opportunity. These stories resonated deeply with me as a boy because I knew their story was my story. What they were looking for, my family was looking for - and we found it here in this country. And I’m forever thankful to this country for the rights, freedoms and opportunities I’ve been given. I am proud to be an American, and I feel a great debt to this country and deep desire to give back and serve. My name is Franky Franco, and this is why I’m running for this office.
But who am I beyond my family heritage? I am a follower of Jesus. I am a sinner saved by grace.
I am a Husband, blessed with a wonderful wife, Lala. I am a father of 5 boys.
I am a graduate of Bob Jones University and earned a law degree and MBA from the University of South Carolina.
I am a business leader and spent the last 16 years of my career at the largest wireless carrier in the United States. I’ve had a real job working with real people solving real problems. I’ve led teams across the country. I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies and brands in the world. And I’ve worked with small business owners. I know how to set and execute a vision and deliver results, and if there’s something Washington needs right now it’s a common-sense business approach to help fix the mess Joe Biden has got us in.
2. How would you evaluate the job Jeff Duncan did in this position?
As I’ve toured the district, it’s obvious that Mr. Duncan was well-liked and respected. His voting record was undoubtedly conservative, and many folks appreciated his emphasis on faith, family and freedom. Although there is disappointment about the circumstances behind his departure from the office, my overall sense is that the district has approved of his performance as Representative.
3. Is there anything you will do differently that you consider a more effective path to serving the Third District?
One challenge that the next Representative will have is coping with the large geographic size of the District. There are 11 counties in the district (Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Greenwood, Abbeville, Laurens, Newberry, Edgefield, Saluda, McCormick, and the southern tip of Greenville), and it takes about 2 hours to drive from the northern boundary to the southern boundary, and about 1 ½ hours to drive from East to West. Congressman Duncan had offices in Anderson and Clinton, but many civic leaders and constituents that I have spoken with feel like they don’t see their Representative often. So I think it’s important to have an engagement and communication plan that ensures the Representative is visible, accessible, and present. Constituents love Representative Duncan’s field team and his monthly newsletter, and I would continue both. But I also think it’s important to hold town halls at least once a year in each county and to have a robust social media presence so constituents know what their Representative is doing for them day in, day out.
4. What are the three most pressing issues for this district and how would you address each?
The three issues I hear about the most on the campaign trail are Border Security, Inflation, and Term Limits.
Regarding the border, we need to support the brave men and women of the Border Patrol with all the resources they need to effectively secure the border. In Congress, I will help finish the wall. We need to close loopholes that provide illegal immigrants with federal benefits and tax credits. We should impose a mandatory e-verify system and mandatory entry/exit tracking system to prevent overstays. Let’s end sanctuary cities, and reform our amnesty laws to prevent the asylum abuse that has been so prevalent during the Biden administration.
Regarding government spending and inflation, one of my responsibilities as a business leader was to manage budgets in a fiscally responsible manner. The fundamentals of running a business are quite simple: grow your revenues, control your costs, delight your customers and work towards sustainable profits. It’s shocking how contrary to that the Federal Government works. The national debt is $34T and rising, spending is totally out of control, and we need to dramatically cut government spending to combat inflation so American families can afford basic items like food and gas.
Regarding Term Limits, in April I was proud to sign the U.S. Term Limits Amendment Pledge, which would enact term limits for members of Congress. By limiting representatives to three House terms and senators to two terms, we can ensure that elected officials remain accountable to their constituents and prevent the entrenchment of career politicians. This legislation reflects my dedication to principled governance and my belief in the importance of citizen-driven democracy.
5. What are the three most pressing issues facing the U.S. House of Representatives moving into 2025?
Same as above.
6. What is your philosophy of working with other elected representatives, some of whom may have different viewpoints?
Congress is fundamentally broken right now. Just read the news - there’s an inability to govern and get things done for the American people, which has been tough for me to watch as a business leader who is driven to get things done. I had a very successful career at the largest wireless carrier in America. I’ve worked with some of the biggest companies and brands in the world, and I’ve worked with owners of companies large and small. The keys to my success? Build good relationships. Be a good listener. Be honest - do what you say you will do. Get feedback. Make a plan. Get things done. That’s the kind of approach I will bring to Congress.