Menendez Plans to Resign From Senate After Corruption Conviction
SUMMARY
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey plans to resign effective August 20th following his conviction on federal corruption charges in New York. The charges involved bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, and a Mercedes convertible for political favors. Despite denying wrongdoing and intending to appeal, Menendez’s political support eroded rapidly, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy among those urging his resignation. Murphy will appoint a temporary replacement until January 3rd, the end of Menendez’s term. Representative Andy Kim is running as the Democratic nominee for the November election. Menendez had threatened an independent reelection campaign but his position became untenable, partly due to the Democratic strategy of highlighting former President Trump’s felony convictions. Menendez had previously survived a 2017 corruption trial, which ended in a hung jury.
