Trent Franks announces he is resigning immediately after wife is admitted to hospital

Arizona Rep. Trent Franks announced today he is resigning immediately after wife is admitted to hospital.

Franks said in a written statement his wife became ill Friday and he decided the best thing for his family would be for his resignation to become effective immediately.

The statement provided no other details on the condition of his wife.

The immediate resignation changes the timing of a special election to replace him.

Franks told Gov. Doug Ducey on Friday his resignation from the 8th Congressional District seat would be effective at 5 p.m. EST on Jan. 31.

Earlier today, Ducey said he would wait until the resignation took effect at the end of January before setting dates for a special election for his replacement, but spokesman Daniel Scarpinato said the governor’s office would be reconvening Friday afternoon to discuss the matter. An announcement regarding the dates is expected Monday.

Ducey said earlier today he will wait until the resignation takes effect at the end of January before setting dates for a special election on a midterm replacement.

Franks has announced his intention to resign after revealing he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers.

Because the vacancy is occurring more than six months before the next general election, Arizona law requires the governor to schedule a special primary election and a special general election.