His district included Lee, Itawamba and Tishomingo Counties.

He was the Democratic nominee for the office of Lieutenant Governor in the 2007 General Election, but was defeated by Republican State Auditor Phil Bryant on November 6, 2007.

The Mississippi Clarion-Ledger named Franks as a potential candidate in the special election to fill the seat of resigned U.S. House member Roger Wicker[2] but Franks declined to run.

Franks is a native of Mooreville, Mississippi, and is an attorney.

He was married to the former Alisa Parkman of Hinds County, and they have two sons.