About Adam

In January 2001, when the people of Florida’s 12th Congressional District first sent Adam Putnam to represent them in the U. S. House of Representatives, he was only 26 years old and one of the youngest members of Congress in history.

Ever since, Adam has been the voice for Florida’s Heartland in the Nation’s Capital. In November of 2006, Adam’s colleagues chose him to be chairman of the Republican Conference, the third-highest ranking Republican in the House and the highest ranking member of congressional leadership from Florida in either party. Prior to serving as Chairman of the Republican Conference, Putnam served as Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee which is fourth in line in the Republican Leadership during the 109th Congress. As Conference Chairman he was charged with articulating his party’s message, and working with his colleagues to build a bold, innovative agenda for America’s future. Now in his fifth term, he serves on the House Financial Services Committee, having previously served as a member of the Agriculture Committee and the Rules Committee.

He was named by National Journal in 2003 as a “Republican to Watch” and in 2004 was named one of National Journal’s Homeland Security 100 – the top 100 key government officials and outside experts. Congressman Putnam was named by Washington Technology as Congress’ leader on cyber security and received the 2004 Federal 100 award from Federal Computer Week as one of the most influential leaders on federal technology policy. Mr. Putnam also received the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Enterprise Award, the 60 Plus Association Guardian of Seniors Rights Award and the Americans for Tax Reform Hero of Taxpayer Award. In addition, Mr. Putnam won the Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award for Further Government IT Management for 2004 from The Association for Federal Information Resource Management (AFFIRM).

A fifth generation Floridian who grew up working on the family farm, Adam brings the values, leadership and sound judgment that reflect the people of our great state. Recognized as a strong advocate for agriculture, food safety and wildlife conservation, Adam is also respected for his leadership on economic and national security issues. Mr. Putnam is a native of Bartow, Florida and is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Resource Economics. Prior to his election to Congress, he worked in his family’s citrus and cattle business and served in the Florida House of Representatives representing the 63rd District from 1996 to 2000, serving as chairman of the Florida House’s Agriculture Committee during his final term. Adam and his wife Melissa reside in Bartow with their four children.