Montana Lt. Gov. John Walsh, a Democrat, was named Friday to fill the Senate seat of Max Baucus, who was confirmed Thursday as U.S. Ambassador to China.
Walsh, 53, is expected to be sworn in early next week.
His appointment changes the political landscape a bit. He'll be up for re-election in November, and Republicans are expected to run a strong race with Rep. Steve Daines as their candidate.
Baucus, now in his sixth term, was seen as vulnerable. Walsh will now have some of the incumbent's advantages.
Associated Press reported Friday Walsh insisted he won't become a creature of Washington.
"There are too many politicians who put their own political agendas ahead of doing what's right, too many folks who don't take their responsibility seriously," Walsh said, according to AP