Disgraced Congressman Trent Franks (R) quietly represented the northwestern suburbs of Phoenix for over a decade. Until in late 2017, a tidal wave of accusations revealed disturbing claims by female staffers over the years. According to the allegations, the Arizona Republican habitually made unwanted advances towards women and retaliated against at least one co-worker who rebuffed him.
Franks, 66, left Congress sooner than expected after two aides reported that he expressed his desire to impregnate them for $5 million. The ardent social conservative admitted those discussions occurred and resigned effective immediately after then-Speaker Paul Ryan made it clear that Frank's actions were indefensible.
Franks consistently denies any allegations of intimidating or coercing women.
The Hill notes:
Franks said in a written statement that he left Congress to spare those he loved “from heavily sensationalized attacks,” according to The Arizona Republic.
He continued, expressing hope that he could “move forward” for the people and country he loves “in a wiser, more dedicated way than ever before.”
He will run for the seat he resigned from six years ago – Arizona's 8th Congressional District. Republican Congresswoman Debbie Lesko's announcement not to seek reelection has left an open seat.
Lesko announced last month she would not run in 2024 because “Washington, D.C., is broken.”
This time, Franks faces formidable competition from a party that may have moved on.
The Republican Party nominee in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Arizona, Blake Masters, announced his bid to represent the 8th District one week ago. Former Republican attorney general candidate Abe Hamadeh declared his candidacy first and received a coveted endorsement from U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake.
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