The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is making a six-figure independent expenditure for Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith — its first investment in a race that’s long leaned in the Democrats’ favor. 

Senate Majority PAC, a Democratic super PAC, has also invested $400,000 in mail and digital advertising in the race. 

Smith is running against Republican state Sen. Karin Housley in a special election to fill out the remainder of former Democrat-Farmer-Labor Sen. Al Franken’s term, which expires in 2020. Smith was appointed to replace Franken, who resigned last December amid accusations of sexual misconduct. 

Polling has shown Smith ahead, but she got a late start — she wasn’t sworn in until January. That’s given the former Minnesota lieutenant governor less time than incumbents would normally have to raise money and introduce themselves to voters.

Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales rates the race Likely Democratic. 

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