With Franken's resignation, Smith will join Senate

January 03, 2018 12:18 AM

UPDATED 1 MINUTE AGO

Al Franken's replacement in the U.S. Senate is ready to take office.

Tina Smith is set to be sworn in during a Wednesday morning ceremony at the Capitol. Smith was Minnesota's lieutenant governor and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton's choice to take Franken's seat.

Franken announced his plan to resign last month after a swirl of sexual misconduct allegations. His resignation was official Tuesday.

Smith is a longtime Democratic political operative who served as Dayton's top aide before joining him on the ticket in 2014. She also worked as a vice president of external affairs for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

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Smith's resignation as lieutenant governor takes effect at midnight Tuesday. She plans to run for the Senate seat in a November special election to finish Franken's term.