Senator Franken announces his resignation

Democratic senators, staff and family members were somber yet emotional as they watched Minnesota Senator Al Franken say he would resign. 

Franken says he is stepping down in the coming weeks after facing allegations of sexual misconduct from several women.

Franken's family members sat in the Senate gallery, some of them crying. Staff lined up in the back of the chamber, stone faced. Around 18 Democratic senators quietly listened to his speech on the floor.

No Republicans were present except the chamber's presiding officer, Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Democrats who sat and listened to Franken's speech included Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar and New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the first to call Wednesday for Franken to resign.

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton says he hasn't decided on a replacement for Al Franken.

After his 11 minute speech, Democrats lined up to hug him.