New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez has announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate, starting from August 20, following his conviction on federal corruption charges.
Menendez’s resignation comes after a Manhattan federal jury found him guilty on 16 felony counts, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. The charges stemmed from allegations that the senator accepted lavish gifts, including gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz, in exchange for political favors.
In his resignation letter obtained by POLITICO, Menendez stated his intention to appeal the verdict while acknowledging the need to step aside.
“While I fully intend to appeal the jury’s verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work,” he wrote.
The senator’s decision was made after calls for his resignation from prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, grew. Bob Menendez’s departure allows Murphy to appoint a temporary replacement to serve until January.
Also, Representative Andy Kim has secured the Democratic nomination for the 2024 election to fill Menendez’s seat, who is now listed as part of a small group of senators who have resigned due to ethical scandals in the post-World War II era.
Despite his conviction, Bob Menendez maintains his innocence and plans to appeal. He faces sentencing on October 29 and could potentially serve decades in prison.