Sen. Bob Menendez to Resign After Conviction on Federal Corruption Charges

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has informed allies that he will resign from Congress after being convicted on federal corruption charges, according to sources close to the matter. This decision comes after months of defiance despite calls from numerous Senate Democrats for his resignation. Menendez is reaching out to his supporters to convey his intention to step down, thus concluding a three-decade career in Congress marked by significant legislative achievements and two criminal trials.

Calls for Resignation

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., were among those who urged Menendez to resign. Schumer stated, “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”

Conviction Details

Menendez was convicted on 16 federal counts for using his official position to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar in exchange for lavish bribes. These bribes included cash, gold bars, mortgage payments, compensation for a no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other valuables.

Future Implications

If Menendez resigns, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy will appoint a temporary senator to serve until Menendez’s term ends in January 2025. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw are running in the November general election to fill the Senate seat. Menendez had filed to run for re-election as an independent and indicated he would continue his campaign if exonerated.

Career and Legal Battles

Menendez’s political career began in the mid-1980s as mayor of Union City. He served in the House for 13 years before joining the Senate in 2006. He chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee twice, stepping down last year following his indictment but remained a voting member.

In September, Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services fraud, and extortion. He was later charged with accepting bribes from a foreign government and conspiring to act as a foreign agent. The indictment alleged that Menendez provided sensitive U.S. Government information to aid Egypt.

Denial and Appeal

Menendez denied the charges, claiming he was the target of a smear campaign and that prosecutors misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office. He has announced plans to appeal his conviction.

Previous Indictment

In 2015, Menendez was indicted on federal corruption charges related to favors from a wealthy Florida optometrist. The case ended in a mistrial, and prosecutors opted not to retry him after some charges were dismissed.

Historical Context

Menendez is the first sitting senator to be indicted on two unrelated criminal allegations, according to the Senate Historical Office.

Legislative Contributions

As the son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez was a leading advocate for immigration reform. He co-authored the 2013 “Gang of 8” bill, a bipartisan immigration overhaul that passed the Senate but failed in the House. Last year, he introduced a framework for immigration reform, aiming to create new pathways to citizenship amid concerns over migrant crossings at the southern border.