PORTLAND — Maine’s Democrat-aligned independent U.S. senator says it’s time for Sen. Al Franken to resign in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations.

Sen. Angus King is one of two unaffiliated members of the U.S. Senate, and he caucuses with the Democrats. King tweeted on Wednesday that Sen. Franken, of Minnesota, should step down in light of the “growing number of allegations against him.”

A group of female Democratic senators also said Wednesday that Franken should resign. The senator’s office has said he would make an announcement on Thursday.

King says Franken should “listen to the Senate’s female leaders” and consider whether he can be effective as a senator in light of the charges. He says he considers Franken and friend and thinks it’s time for him to go.

Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., pauses while speaking to the media on Capitol Hill, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)