Mark Dayton to pick Al Franken successor on Wednesday

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton plans to announce Sen. Al Franken’s replacement on Wednesday at a news conference, his office told the Star Tribune.

Mr. Franken, Minnesota Democrat, announced his intention to step down last week after increasing claims of sexual harassment and misconduct. The senator did not mention when specifically he planned to resign from his duties as a senator.

Mr. Dayton, also a Democrat, is rumored to be interested in appointing his Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, but reports that she is not interested in running for the seat in 2018 could make her a less desirable pick. Whoever wins in 2018 will only serve two years before facing another election.

Mr. Franken was re-elected in 2014 and was up again in 2020.