As had been widely rumored, Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton announced Wednesday morning that he will appoint Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to succeed Al Franken when he leaves the Senate.
During her time as Lieutenant Governor, Tina Smith has focused on building an economy that works for all Minnesotans, and making state government work better for the people it serves. Tina helped expand paid parental leave for Minnesota workers, crack down on wage theft, combat the opioid crisis, and grow Minnesota’s clean energy economy. Tina also led efforts to enroll tens of thousands of children in high-quality early learning programs, expand access to high-speed internet in Greater Minnesota, and expand access to jobs and economic opportunity for all Minnesotans.
Governor Dayton said, “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.”
Smith served as Dayton’s chief of staff before stepping down to run for lieutenant governor, and previously served as a vice president of Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, so if she runs in the special election to keep the seat, she should offer a strong contrast with her Republican opponent.
Republicans reportedly have their eye on former governor and failed 2012 presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty to seek the seat. Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison has reportedly decided against running in 2018. There had been questions about whether Smith herself would run in 2018, but in a statement accompanying the announcement, she pledged to run.
There are currently 21 women in the Senate; Smith will make it 22.