Following calls for his resignation by a growing number of Democratic senators—led by a group of women—Sen. Al Franken has announced he will be stepping down. Franken opened by saying he had been glad when a long overdue conversation about sexual harassment and assault started in recent months, but “then the conversation turned to me.”
An important part of the conversation we’ve been having the last few months has been about how men abuse their power and privilege to hurt women. I’m proud that during my time in the Senate I have used my power to be a champion of women, and that I’ve earned the reputation as someone who respects the women I work alongside every day.
I know there’s been a different picture of me painted the last few weeks, but I know who I really am.
Serving in the United States Senate has been the great honor of my life. I know in my heart that nothing I have done as a senator—nothing—has brought dishonor on this institution and I am confident that the ethics committee would agree.
Nevertheless today I am announcing that in the coming weeks I will be resigning as a member of the United States Senate.
Franken noted the irony that he is resigning while Donald Trump, an admitted groper, is in the White House, and Republicans are supporting child molester Roy Moore for Senate in Alabama. But “Minnesotans deserve a senator who can focus with all her energy on addressing the challenges they face every day.”
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton will appoint a replacement for Franken with a special election for the seat held in November 2018. The winner of that special election will serve the remaining two years of Franken’s term until the regular election for that seat in 2020.