Trent Franks Resigns House Seat Amid Harassment Claims

PHOENIX,AZ — U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior, said Thursday he will resign effective Jan. 31, 2018. He has represented Arizona's 8th District, northwest of Phoenix, since 2003.

Franks had approached two female members of his staff about acting as a surrogate for his wife and him, he admitted in a statement. Franks said that he deeply regrets any discomfort he caused the staffers.

Franks is one of the more conservative members of the House of Representatives. He was one of the first members of the Tea Party Caucus and headed a socially conservative think tank.

State law says that Gov. Doug Ducey has to set a primary date within 72 hours of whenever the vacancy occurs.

The primary then has to be held within 80 and 90 days after the vacancy happens. And the general election has to be held between 50 and 60 days after that.

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