Bob Menendez Resigns from Senate
- After 50 years in the Senate, Bob Menendez resigns following bribery conviction.
- The resignation comes after a guilty verdict last month, ending a failed bid to keep his Senate seat.
- Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, faced challenges despite his longstanding political career.
New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez officially resigned on August 20, following a guilty verdict on federal bribery charges that concluded last month. His resignation, effective at 5 p.m. EDT, marks the end of a 50-year political career, making him the fourth longest-serving senator in New Jersey's history. Menendez's legal troubles stem from a jury's determination that he accepted bribes in the form of gold bars and cash, allegedly acting as a foreign agent for Qatar and Egypt. In the wake of Menendez's resignation, Governor Phil Murphy has appointed George Helmy, his chief of staff, as the interim senator. Helmy will serve until January 3, 2025, when the newly elected senator will take office. The upcoming election in November will see Democratic nominee Rep. Andy Kim face off against Republican Curtis Bashaw for a full six-year term. Menendez, 70, was convicted on all 16 counts of bribery and corruption, with sentencing scheduled for October 29. He has indicated plans to appeal the jury's decision, arguing that the prosecution was unprecedented and lacked substantial evidence. His legal team has filed a motion to overturn the verdict, claiming that the convictions could set a dangerous precedent in legal standards. The senator's resignation follows a challenging Democratic primary campaign, where he was largely sidelined by voters and party leaders. Ultimately, Rep. Andy Kim emerged victorious in the primary after the state's first lady, Tammy Murphy, withdrew from the race.