Tina F. Smith, Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor, is replacing Al Franken in Senate
She expects to take office in ‘early January’
Adapted from a story by The Washington Post’s Ed O’Keefe and Michael Scherer.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), who has faced multiple allegations of sexual harassment, announced last week that he would resign his office “in the coming weeks,” but has not set a date.
Following Franken’s announcement, Minnesota’s Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, announced his intention to appoint Lt. Gov. Tina F. Smith, his former chief of staff, to fill the Senate seat. Smith says she plans to run for election in November to finish out the term.
“I am resolved to do everything I can to move Minnesota forward,” said Smith at a news conference Wednesday announcing the appointment, in St. Paul, Minn.
She promised to serve in the progressive tradition of others who have held the seat, including Sens. Paul Wellstone, Eugene McCarthy and Walter Mondale, to make a “better, more inclusive and just future for all of us.”
Smith will become the 22nd woman to serve in the Senate.
About Tina Smith
- A New Mexico native, graduate of Stanford University and former vice president of a regional Planned Parenthood, Smith has long been a rising star in Minnesota politics.
- She served as chief of staff for Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Ryback, before managing his failed bid for governor in 2010.
- She later helped Dayton’s successful campaign and became his chief of staff when he won. She was elected lieutenant governor in 2014.
Other candidates for Franken’s seat
- Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), who was also discussed as a possible replacement for Franken, announced Wednesday that she supported Dayton’s decision.
- Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), another lawmaker discussed for the seat, released a statement saying he supported the appointment and would support Smith in her 2018 campaign.
“Tina Smith is a person of the highest integrity and ability. There is no one I trust more to assume the responsibilities of this important office. I know that she will be a superb Senator, representing the best interests of our state and our citizens,” said Dayton in a statement.
Smith started calling members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation on Tuesday to inform them of the governor’s decision and her plans, according to an aide familiar with the calls.
Smith said she expected to take office in “early January.”
