As chair of the State Government Administration Committee, Franks called for the first audits of a sitting governor in the history of Illinois and was the first Democrat to openly criticize Rod Blagojevich.
[8][better source needed] Blagojevich's team questioned Franks' integrity and whether his impeachment hearing request was politically motivated.
[13] On May 15, 2016, Franks announced he would run for McHenry County Board Chairman in its first popularly held election for the position.
[15] On the November 8 general election, Franks defeated Republican county board member Michael Walkup with over 57 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.
[11] In January 2020, it was reported that the Illinois State Police were investigating Franks for allegations of sexual misconduct and stalking.