In 2004, she defeated Mark Buhler, the appointed Republican incumbent, with 49% of the vote, versus 43% for Buhler. Jim Mullins of the Reform party finished third, with 7%.[3] In 2008, she defeated Republican Scott Morgan, 21,069 to 12,540 votes. In 2012, her margin was 64.5% over Republican Ron Ellis 35.4%. In 2016, her margin was 66.1% over Republican Meredith Richey's 33.8%.[4]
Francisco was the Democratic nominee for Kansas State Treasurer in 2018, finishing second, with 42.26% of the vote.[5]