Former Arizona Rep. Phil Lovas to run for Trent Franks’ seat
Dec 13, 2017, 12:10 PM
(Screenshot)
(Screenshot)
PHOENIX — Add former Arizona Rep. Phil Lovas to the list of candidates hoping to replace U.S. Rep. Trent Franks in a special election next year.
Lovas, who resigned his post in the Trump administration earlier this week, made his announcement Wednesday on social media.
He joined former state Congressman Bob Stump and state Sen. Steve Montenegro as formal contenders for the seat vacated by Franks, who stepped down last week after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced.
In his tweet, Lovas said he was running for the 8th Congressional District to “improve the lives of West Valley citizens.”
State Sen. Kimberly Yee, who kicked off a run for Arizona treasurer just weeks ago, has also expressed interest.
Lovas has ties to President Donald Trump. He took over the state’s presidential campaign in 2016 for Trump after Arizona Treasurer Jeff DeWit became the national campaign’s chief operating officer.
The Peoria Republican left his statehouse job in April to accept an offer from the Small Business Administration. His duties as advocate for Arizona businesses allowed him to stay in the Valley.
A special primary and a special general election are required by Arizona law to find a successor to Franks.
Gov. Doug Ducey said Monday the primary would be held Feb. 27 and the general election April 24.
Candidates need a specific number of valid nominating petition signatures filed by mid-January.
Republicans will need to get at least 850 signatures, while Democrats will need at least 666.
