VACANCY Archives - KVRR Local News

Gov. Walz Announces Special Election to Fill Late Speaker Hortman’s Seat

The state representative was killed in her home on June 14.

July 12, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (KVRR) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued a writ of special election to fill the vacancy left by the death of former Speaker Melissa Hortman. That announcement was made on Friday, July 11. The special election will be held on Tuesday, Sep. 16, 2025, for District 34B in Anoka and Hennepin Counties. A special primary election for nominations…

Senator Franken: The Republican Tax Bill Represents a Slap in the Face

During that announcement he took a dig at the past alleged sexual harassment actions by President Trump

December 22, 2017

TJ Nelson, ,

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Al Franken took to the Senate floor to give his final speech before his resignation takes effect in January. He talked about his years in the Senate debating the issues, the arguments and serious votes. Franken said “Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.” He announced earlier this month that he would resign in the…

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith to Take Over Franken’s Seat Early January

A specific date for Franken to step down has not been set

December 14, 2017

Alison Voorhees,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Senator Al Franken says he expects his replacement, Democratic Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, to take over his seat in early January. Governor Mark Dayton appointed Smith to take his place until a special election to complete the final two years of Franken’s term. Last week, Franken said he would resign “in coming weeks” following…

Decision on Al Franken’s Vacant Senate Seat to Come Wednesday

That is when Gov. Mark Dayton will announce his pick to serve in the Senate through next year's election

December 12, 2017

TJ Nelson,

ST. PAUL, Minn. — We will know who is taking Senator Al Franken’s seat tomorrow. That is when Gov. Mark Dayton will announce his pick to serve in the Senate through next year’s election. Voters will pick a candidate in 2018 to finish Franken’s current term ending in 2020. Franken announced his resignation last week amid a growing cloud…

Gov. Dayton Under Pressure Over Choice to Fill Al Franken’s Vacant Senate Seat

Schumer says the party wants more than a placeholder in the seat

December 8, 2017

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ST. PAUL, Minn. — With the resignation of Al Franken, Democratic leaders may be putting some pressure on Gov. Dayton for his pick for a replacement. Governor Dayton initially planned to name Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith to Franken’s seat, but Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may be asking Dayton to pick someone who will run in the 2018 special…

Sen. Heitkamp Questions Border Protection Officials on “Chronic Issues”

She says recent executive orders have not addressed staffing needs at the nation's ports of entry

March 22, 2017

TJ Nelson,

WASHINGTON D.C. — The focus turns to the 5,500-mile long northern border in the U.S. Senate. Senator Heidi Heitkamp questioned key border protection officials about what she called “chronic issues” faced at the 120 ports of entry. She says recent executive orders have not addressed staffing needs at the nation’s ports of entry. Heitkamp also shared a story of one…