IFA Endorses Congressional Candidates in 14 States

The International Franchise Association (IFA) endorsed bipartisan candidates in 14 states in conjunction with their July and August primary elections. Named a "Friend of Franchising," the endorsement recognizes their leadership on pro-business policies supporting America's locally owned franchise small businesses. IFA endorsed 56 candidates in Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, Hawaii, Alabama, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Alaska, Florida, and Wyoming. 

"These candidates recognize the vital role franchise small businesses play on Main Streets across America," said Michael Layman, IFA chief advocacy officer. "It's critical to have leaders who support pro-growth, pro-franchise policies that understand that franchises are local businesses and should be treated as such. The strength of the franchise community lies in its bipartisan support, and we are proud to endorse candidates who understand and champion that impact." 

Below is the full list of July and August 2026 endorsements: 

Arizona: July 21 Primary

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz

Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz

Kansas: Aug. 4 Primary

Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan.

Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan.

Rep. Derek Schmidt, R-Kan.

Michigan: Aug. 4 Primary

Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich.

Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Mich.

Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich.

Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Mich.

Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Mich.

Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich.

Missouri: Aug. 4 Primary

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo.

Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo.

Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo.

Rep. Bob Onder, R-Mo.

Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo.

Virginia: Aug. 4 Primary

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va.

Rep. Ben Cline, R-Va.

Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va.

Rep. John McGuire, R-Va.

Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va.

Washington: Aug. 4 Primary

Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.

Rep. Marilyn Strickland, D-Wash.

Tennessee: Aug. 6 Primary

Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn.

Rep. Scott DesJarlais, R-Tenn.

Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Tenn.

Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tenn.

Hawaii: Aug. 8 Primary

Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii

Alabama: Aug. 11 Primary

Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala.

Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala.

Minnesota: Aug. 11 Primary

Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn.

Rep. Brad Finstad, R-Minn.

Rep. Michelle Fischbach, R-Minn.

Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn.

Wisconsin: Aug. 11 Primary

Rep. Scott Fitzgerald, R-Wis.

Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis.

Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis.

Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis.

Rep. Tony Wied, R-Wis.

Alaska: Aug. 18 Primary

Sen. Dan S. Sullivan, R-Alaska

Florida: Aug. 18 Primary

Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla.

Rep. Aaron Bean, R-Fla.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla.

Rep. Carlos Giménez, R-Fla.

Rep. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla.

Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla.

Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla.

Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla.

Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla.

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla.

Wyoming: Aug. 18 Primary

Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wyo.