ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s next U.S. senator says she’s proud of her time working as a Planned Parenthood executive.

Lt. Gov. Tina Smith was named Wednesday to replace fellow Democrat Al Franken in the Senate. Franken announced his resignation last week amid growing sexual misconduct allegations.

Smith has been a longtime adviser to Gov. Mark Dayton and other government officials. She previously served as a vice president for Planned Parenthood in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Smith said Wednesday that she helped provide health care and treatment to thousands of women. She says she’s proud of that work.

But her time there is likely to become a flashpoint when she runs for the seat in 2018. Republicans pointed to her past with the abortion provider during the 2014 campaign.