Scanlon was first elected as a TD in 2007. He lost his seat in the 2011 general election and was re-elected in 2016. He previously served as a Senator from 2002 to 2011 on the Agricultural Panel. He is the Fianna Fáil junior spokesperson on employment and small business. He was first elected to Sligo County Council in 1991.

I think I've provided honest, hard-working representation for the people of the area and have delivered for individuals and community groups in accessing services.

Equal access to public services and equal opportunities in education, jobs, health care and home care packages.

Decentralise jobs outside the large cities and fight for farming supports for family farms. Get proper home care packages to look after people at home and not in an overcrowded hospital system.