Disgraced New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez is officially leaving his post.
Per a report from The Washington Post, Menendez — who was convicted on 16 counts including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent — will officially step down on August 20.“Breaking news: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) plans to resign effective Aug. 20, according to two people briefed on the decision, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations,” The Washington Post reported on Tuesday.
Breaking news: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) plans to resign effective Aug. 20, according to two people briefed on the decision, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. https://t.co/EZZyLDWFJw
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) July 23, 2024
Menendez has faced a number of calls to step down due to his multiple convictions — a verdict he still says was reached erroneously.
“Obviously, I’m deeply, deeply disappointed by the jury’s decision. I have every faith that the law and the facts did not sustain that decision and that we will be successful upon appeal,” Menendez said immediately after he was convicted.
Menendez faces sentencing on October 29, and the most serious of the charges — extortion and wire fraud — carry sentences of up to 20 years.
All sentences are likely to run concurrently, but if a judge were to order that they ran consecutively, Menendez could face up to 222 years in prison.
After Menendez’ conviction, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for him to resign: “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”
Menendez’ wife Nadine was also charged and has pleaded “not guilty.” However, her trial has been delayed indefinitely due to health issues.
As for who will replace Menendez?Several New Jersey Democrats told Politico earlier this week that Democratic Representative Andy Kim could be a possible replacement for Menendez.
Other replacement options include New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, Garden State Equality Executive Director Christian Fuscarino, Loretta Weinberg, a well-respected figure in New Jersey’s progressive community, political insider Jeannine LaRue, and Dianne Houenou, chair of New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission.