Lt. Gov. Tina Smith To Replace Sen. Al Franken: Watch

SAINT PAUL, MN —Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton Wednesday announced that he will appoint Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to serve as United States Senator for Minnesota. Smith will be appointed to serve a one-year term in the Senate, concluding in January 2019. Minnesotans will choose a U.S. Senator to serve the remainder of the term being vacated by Sen. Al Franken in a special election to be held on Nov. 6, 2018.

"Tina Smith is a person of the highest integrity and ability," Dayton said in a statement. "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 will resign as Lt. Gov. prior to being sworn into the Senate.

"I accept this appointment, and it will be my great honor to serve Minnesota as United States Senator," said Smith. "Though I never anticipated this moment, I am resolved to do everything I can to move Minnesota forward. I will be a fierce advocate in the United States Senate for economic opportunity and fairness for all Minnesotans."

Read more: Who Is Tina Smith: 5 Things To Know

The 2018 Senate Race

A formal Franken resignation will trigger a special election that by law must be held in November 2018, meaning that in addition to the open race for governor, both of Minnesota's Democratically-held senate seats will be on the ballot. With no traditional incumbent in Franken's seat, Republicans will see the race as a unique opportunity to recapture at least one of the state's Senate seats.

Minnesota's former Republican governor, Tim Pawlenty, is seen as a top potential candidate to make a run for Senate. Republican Reps. Erik Paulsen and Rep. Tom Emmer are also possible candidates.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Jim Mone File