FILE – Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz. speaks with a reporter on Capitol Hill in Washington, March 24, 2017. Former Arizona Congressman Trent Franks, who resigned in 2017 after two female staffers said he offered them money in exchange for carrying his child, announced Wednesday, Nov.1, 2023, he is running for his old congressional seat, according to multiple media reports.
“I truly believe the 2024 election is vital to the survival of a free, prosperous, and strong America in the world,” he said in a statement cited by the Arizona Republic. “Thus, I have chosen to run for Congress again with the very deepest prayer in my heart being.”Several other GOP contenders have entered the race, including Blake Masters, who lost a Senate race to Democratic incumbent Mark Kelly in last year’s midterm election.
The eight-term lawmaker bowed to an ultimatum from then GOP House Speaker Paul Ryan to step down. Ryan told Franks that he would otherwise refer the allegations to the Ethics Committee. At the time, Franks said he and his wife were struggling with fertility issues. They had previously had twins through surrogacy. headtopics.com
Referencing the scandal, the newspaper reported that Franks said in his statement he left office only to “spare those I love most from heavily sensationalized attacks.”
Longtime Texas Rep. Granger Won’t Seek ReelectionHouse Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger, R-Texas, announced Wednesday that she will not seek reelection after nearly 30 years in the House, The Hill reported. Read more ⮕