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Franken to Officially Resign on Jan. 2

December 20, 2017

Democratic Sen. Al Franken (Minn.) will officially leave office on Jan. 2, his office announced on Wednesday.

Franken had announced on Dec. 7 that he would resign his Senate seat in the "coming weeks" after several past allegations of sexual misconduct came to light.

During his remarks at the time, Franken did not apologize to his accusers and said it was ironic that he would leave his seat when President Donald Trump—who numerous women have accused of misconduct—remained in the White House.

Until Wednesday, it had been unclear since Franken's resignation speech when exactly he would leave office.

A majority of Senate Democrats called for Franken's resignation on Dec. 6, after a seventh accuser came forward alleging Franken had once groped her. He is the highest-level lawmaker to be felled by the swirl of sexual harassment allegations against prominent politicians over the past two months.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D.) has appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith (D.) to fill Franken's seat when he officially departs.

Franken was one of the chamber's most popular Democrats, known for his strong fundraising ability and progressive stances against the Trump administration.

Some Democrats have since expressed regret over Franken's departure. Sen. Joe Manchin (D., W.Va.) said that Franken received "atrocious" treatment from his fellow Democrats.