Story highlights Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith will replace Franken on Wednesday

Franken has been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women

(CNN) Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Franken marked his final day in the US Senate on Tuesday after he announced he would step down in the wake of groping allegations.

Franken submitted his letter of resignation, effective at 1 p.m. ET, to Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton. Franken wrote that serving in the Senate "has been a privilege and an honor."

"I am grateful to Minnesotans for giving me a chance to serve our state and our nation, and I am proud to have worked on their behalf," the letter states.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith will replace him on Wednesday.

"When I leave the Senate in a few weeks," Franken said during his Senate floor speech announcing his exit, "I will continue trying to be an educated citizen and an advocate and an activist."

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