Rep. Trent Franks, R-Ariz., to resign immediately, citing wife's illness after planning to leave in January over harassment allegations. A day after announcing he would step down at the end of January because of sexual harassment allegations, Rep. Trent Franks said Friday that he will resign immediately. Franks said his wife was admitted to the hospital Thursday "Due to an ongoing ailment" and that they decided "The best thing for our family now would be for me to tender my resignation effective today." Ref. USAToday.