Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to assume Al Franken's Senate seat
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith (D) has been tapped to replace resigning Sen. Al Franken (D), who announced last week that he would leave the Senate amid mounting allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) announced the decision Wednesday.
Smith will serve out the remainder of Franken's term after he finalizes his resignation from Congress, and in accepting Dayton's appointment Wednesday she announced she would also run in next year's election to retain the seat. "Though I never anticipated this moment, I am resolved to do everything I can to move Minnesota forward," Smith said.