(Photo courtesy of the Arizona State Legislature)

State Sen. Debbie Lesko.

State Sen. Debbie Lesko has resigned her seat in the Arizona Legislature in order to run for Congress. Lesko is a Republican from Peoria. She wants to replace Trent Franks, who left office in December. Former staffers had complained he’d asked them to carry a baby as a surrogate for him and his wife.

The move was expected and follows other resignations from potential candidates.

Almost 30 Republicans and 6 Democrats have created accounts with the Secretary of State’s Office expressing an interest in running for the seat. Petitions with signatures are due on Wednesday, Jan. 10.