First Candidate Certified To Run For Trent Franks' Seat

By Stina Sieg
Published: Tuesday, January 2, 2018 - 5:09pm
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Several prominent lawmakers have expressed interest in running in a special election to replace Republican Rep. Trent Franks. However, the Secretary of State’s Office has only certified one candidate so far — and he’s not one of the best-known names.

His name is Clair Van Steenwyk, and the Sun City West Republican filed 1,200 signatures to make the ballot late last week. He’s a tea party activist who challenged Franks in the 2014 and 2016 primaries — and won nearly 30 percent of the vote in 2016.

Franks stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations last month.

Other Republicans who have announced they’ll run for his seat in the heavily Republican 8th Congressional District include former Corporation Commissioner Bob Stump and current or former legislators Steve Montenegro, Phil Lovas and Debbie Lesko.

Candidates have until Jan. 10 to file qualifying signatures.