Richard Painter, the former chief ethics lawyer for the George W. Bush administration, is expected to announce on Monday he will run as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by 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.).

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reported Sunday that Painter, who has been a frequent critic of President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE, recently filed paperwork with federal elections officials to run against Sen. Tina Smith Tina Flint SmithThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump and Biden vie for Minnesota | Early voting begins in four states | Blue state GOP governors back Susan Collins GOP Senate candidate says Trump, Republicans will surprise in Minnesota Biden promises Democratic senators help in battleground states MORE (D-Minn.), who replaced Franken in January.

Painter launched a campaign website in recent days, and his campaign’s Twitter page identifies him as “running for U.S. Senate in Minnesota.”

Painter is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday at the state Capitol to announce his plans.

Richard will be making an important announcement on Monday regarding his involvement in the U.S. Senate election in Minnesota. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/9fVEBxnoXq — Painter For Minnesota (@RWPMinnesota) April 26, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

Franken resigned from the Senate following a series of allegations of sexual misconduct, including that he groped women without their consent.

Smith, who previously served as lieutenant governor, has already said she intends to run to maintain the seat in November.

State Sen. Karin Housley (R-Minn.) has already declared her candidacy on the Republican side.

The winner of November’s election will serve out the remainder of Franken’s term, which runs though 2020.

Painter set up an exploratory committee last month to weigh a potential run. He indicated at the time that he was unsure if he’d run as a Republican, Democrat or Independent.

He has made regular appearances on cable news programs since Trump took office to criticize the president's rhetoric and his administration's practices.