Tuesday marked the last day for Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken in the Senate, CNN reports. According to ABC News, Franken had served eight years in the U.S. Senate, but stepped down after multiple women stepped forward and accused Franken of sexual misconduct.
After the allegations came to light, Franken had apologized, but when his Democratic colleagues called on him to step down from his position, the Minnesota Senator resigned, ABC News reports.
Franken offered his resignation at 1 p.m. ET to Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, writing that it “has been a privilege and an honor” to serve in the Senate, CNN reports.
Sen. Al Franken’s letter of resignation to Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton.
Franken resigned at noon today, Minnesota time. pic.twitter.com/L2ziNolEZG
— Jennifer Brooks (@stribrooks) January 2, 2018
“I am grateful to Minnesotans for giving me the chance to serve our state and our nation, and I am proud to have worked on their behalf,” Franken said in his resignation letter, according to The Washington Examiner.
During his Senate floor speech announcing his resignation, Franken said that he would “continue trying to be an educated citizen and an advocate and an activist” after leaving the Senate, CNN reports.
According to ABC News, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith will be replacing Franken in the Senate on Wednesday.
Minnesota will hold a special election to permanently fill Franken’s seat during the midterm elections in November, CNN reports. Smith has announced that she will run for the position.