Gary Franks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gary Franks
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Connecticut's 5th district |
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| In office January 3, 1991 – January 3, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | John G. Rowland |
| Succeeded by | James H. Maloney |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Gary Alvin Franks
February 9, 1953 Waterbury, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Donna Williams |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Yale University (BA) |
Gary Alvin Franks (born February 9, 1953) is an American politician. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives for Connecticut from 1991 to 1997. He made history as the first African-American elected to the U.S. Congress from Connecticut. He was also the first modern black conservative and the first black Republican elected to the House since 1932.
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Early Life and Education
Gary Franks was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. He grew up as one of six children. His father worked in a brass mill, and his mother was a hospital aide. In high school, he was elected president of his class at Sacred Heart High School.
Franks went on to attend Yale University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975. While at Yale, he was the captain of the basketball team. After college, he worked in labor relations for about 10 years.
Political Journey
Before serving in Congress, Gary Franks was involved in local politics. He was a member of the Waterbury board of aldermen from 1986 to 1990.
Serving in Congress
How He Was Elected
In 1990, Franks ran for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won against Toby Moffett, a former congressman. Both President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush supported Franks during his campaign.
Franks's election was very important. He was the first African-American Republican elected to the House since Oscar Stanton De Priest in 1932. Another African-American Republican, J. C. Watts from Oklahoma, also served in the House during the 1990s.
Franks won re-election in 1992. However, he lost his seat in 1996 to James H. Maloney, a Democrat.
What He Did in Congress
During his time in Congress, Gary Franks served on the Armed Services Committee. He worked to bring more defense contracts to Connecticut. This included projects like the 'Seawolf Submarine' and orders for the M16 rifle.
He also helped secure $20 million for cleaning up an old defense manufacturing site in his hometown of Waterbury. This site later became a large commercial mall. Franks also wrote the law that made Weir Farm National Historic Site in Ridgefield, Connecticut, a permanent part of the National Park Service.
Running for Senate
After leaving Congress, Franks decided to run for the United States Senate in 1998. He challenged the sitting Senator, Chris Dodd. Franks won the Republican nomination without opposition. However, he was defeated by Senator Dodd in the general election.
After Congress
After his time in Congress, Gary Franks founded a public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. He has also taught at universities, including Georgetown University, Hampton University, and the University of Virginia.
Political Views
Gary Franks is known for his conservative political views. He supported changes to the welfare system. He also opposed affirmative action, which aims to help groups that have faced discrimination. Franks was a strong supporter of Clarence Thomas becoming a Supreme Court Justice.
He also believed in lower taxes. He supported reducing the capital gains tax. Franks also wanted an amendment to the Constitution to ban the desecration of the American flag.
Franks was the first Republican to join the Congressional Black Caucus. This group is made up of African-American members of Congress.
Personal Life
Gary Franks married Donna Williams in 1990. They have two daughters and one son. He is a Baptist.
See also
- List of African-American United States representatives
- List of African-American United States Senate candidates
