Sen. Al Franken Alan (Al) Stuart FrankenGOP Senate candidate says Trump, Republicans will surprise in Minnesota Peterson faces fight of his career in deep-red Minnesota district Getting tight — the psychology of cancel culture MORE (D-Minn.) on Thursday gave his first speech since announcing his resignation from the Senate over allegations of sexual misconduct and pressure from top Democrats.

Franken thanked his family and staff for their support and told the Minneapolis crowd there was more work to be done on key policy issues, according to NBC News.

"I may be leaving the Senate but I'm not giving up my voice," Franken said, calling attention to economic and climate issues that he fought for throughout his time in office.

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Roughly two dozen Democratic senators called on Franken to resign in the wake of the allegations. Multiple women claimed the former "Saturday Night Live" comedian touched or groped them without their consent.

Franken gave a defiant Senate floor speech announcing that he would resign, in which he denied some of the claims against him as false. He later clarified that he would step down effective Jan. 2.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton (D) appointed Lt. Gov. Tina Smith (D) to replace Franken, who will leave part way through his second term.

A recent poll found that half of Minnesotans questioned did not think Franken should resign over the allegations, while 42 percent said he should.