Florida Rep. Ross Spano defeated by Scott Franklin in GOP primary

Incumbent Florida Rep. Ross Spano on Tuesday was defeated by Navy veteran Scott Franklin during the GOP primary in the state’s 15th Congressional District.

The Republican congressman has served in the seat since 2019 after winning during the 2018 election. He has been under scrutiny during a federal investigation into the finances of his 2018 campaign.

The lawmaker's loss marks the eighth incumbent member of the House of Representatives to fail in the quest for reelection during this cycle, according to The Hill.

Franklin, a Lakeland, Florida City Commissioner who was backed by prominent House Republican Matt Gaetz of Florida, secured victory with 51.3 percent of the vote.

According to a campaign website Franklin served as a Naval Aviator: "During his 26-year career – 14 years on active duty and 12 years in the reserves – Scott flew jets from the decks of 13 aircraft carriers," the site says.