ST. PAUL, Minn. - In an apparent change of heart Sen. Michelle Fischbach was sworn in as Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor after months of resisting the role.
Fischbach (R-Paynesville) took the oath Friday morning to serve as the Democratic governor's No. 2. She was automatically elevated to the role by state law after Governor Dayton appointed then-Lt. Governor Tina Smith to the U.S. Senate. Smith took over for Al Franken, who resigned his seat following allegations of sexual harassment by several women.
“While I never expected this, I am prepared to take on this challenge and serve Minnesotans to the best of my ability,” said Fischbach. “My goal over the past five months was to serve the constituents who elected me during this important Legislative Session. Now that the work of the Legislature has concluded, I will resign my seat in the Senate and focus on my role as Lieutenant Governor. I am honored to continue serving the people of Minnesota, and look forward to working with Governor Dayton.”
Dayton will call a special election to fill Fischbach's central Minnesota seat during the state's general election November 6. Fischbach announced at a press conference after she was sworn in that she will not run in the special election for the seat she vacated, ending a 22-year run in the legislature.
“I thank Lt. Governor Fischbach for the personal and professional grace with which she is assuming on this important role,” said Governor Dayton. “Together, we share a strong and sincere commitment to providing the best possible services to the people of Minnesota. I look forward to continuing our work together in the months ahead.”
Fischbach and Democrats had skirmished over whether she had to give up her Senate seat - a critical question with Republicans holding just a one-seat advantage in that chamber. And Fischbach had been sued twice over trying to hang on to the seat while also acting as Lieutenant Governor.