Crowded field of candidates for Trent Franks' old seat

Gov. Doug Ducey has set the dates for a special primary election and a special general election to fill the vacancy created when U.S. Rep. Trent Franks resigned after revealing that he discussed surrogacy with two female staffers.

The primary election will be on February 27, 2018, followed by the general election on April 24, 2018.

Candidates lining up

There is already a crowded field lining up to fill Franks' old seat. One name that may jump out for some people is Jon Ritzheimer, who took part in a 2016 armed takeover and standoff with Federal agents at an Oregon wildlife refuge that lasted over a month.

Ritzheimer has since pleaded guilty, and turned himself in for a year-long sentence in February.

Ritzheimer also organized an anti-Islam rally in 2015.

FOX 10 Phoenix has reached out to Ritzheimer for a comment, and said he's hoping to "return the power to 'we the people'". Despite serving prison time, there is nothing that would prevent Ritzheimer from running or serving, while in prison.

Another name that may jump out for some is Bob Stump, who served on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

If elected, this Bob Stump would be the second person with the same name to represent Arizona in Congress. The other Bob Stump, who died in 2003, was a Congressman from 1977 to 2003.

The Associated Press (AP) contributed to this report.