Franzen to run for Senate minority leader after Kent steps down

Minnesota Sen. Melisa López Franzen (DFL-Edina) has announced her plans to run for the Senate minority leader position in 2022.

"I look forward to making the case to lead our caucus, and to ensure we win a DFL Senate Majority in 2022. Let’s get to work," Franzen said via social media Friday.

Franzen’s announcement comes after current Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent (DFL-Woodbury) said she won’t seek re-election.

Kent announced Thursday night that she’ll resign her position and will retire instead of seeking re-election at the end of her term next year.

Kent said she wants to focus more on her family, particularly her mother, at this time.