Transition Plan and Interim Appointment
He explained that this date would allow time for his staff to transition, transfer pending constituent files, facilitate the selection of an interim replacement, and close out his Senate affairs.
Source: Wikimedia
Governor Murphy confirmed receipt of the resignation letter and noted, “I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to the United States Senate to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve.”
Early Notification
Sources revealed that Menendez had informed some staff members of his resignation plans earlier on Tuesday.
Source: Freepik
The New Jersey Globe was the first to report his departure date.
Upcoming Sentencing
NBC News had previously reported that Menendez began notifying allies of his intention to resign after his July 16 conviction for accepting bribes, including gold bars and cash, to benefit Qatar and Egypt.
Source: Freepik
He is scheduled for sentencing on October 29 and intends to appeal the verdict.
Widespread Calls for Resignation
Calls for Menendez’s resignation came from nearly every Democratic senator, House member, and key New Jersey official.
United States Senate/Wikimedia Commons
Some even threatened to expel him from the Senate if he did not step down voluntarily.
Adjudicatory Review
Additionally, the Senate Ethics Committee has launched an “adjudicatory review,” a necessary step before recommending expulsion or other disciplinary actions.
Source: @SenatorMenendez/X
The committee unanimously voted to open this review and informed Menendez and his attorneys of the decision.
Menendez Cites Ethics Probe
In his resignation letter, Menendez cited the Ethics Committee probe as a reason for his decision.
Source: Wikimedia
He stated, “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.”
November Senate Race
Representative Andy Kim, D-N.J., is running for Menendez’s Senate seat in November against Republican Curtis Bashaw.
Source: Wikimedia
Menendez has filed to run for re-election as an independent, pledging to continue his campaign if exonerated.
From Union City Mayor to Congress in 1992
Menendez’s political career began as the mayor of Union City, New Jersey, followed by a tenure in the state legislature.
Source: Wikimedia
He was elected to Congress in 1992.
Transition to the Senate
In 2006, Menendez transitioned to the Senate.
Source: Wikimedia
He eventually became the chairman of the influential Foreign Relations Committee.
Bribery Charges During Senate Tenure
Jurors determined that from this position, he engaged in accepting bribes in exchange for providing favors to foreign governments.
Source: Blogging Guide/Unsplash
This also occurred while he was serving as the ranking member when Republicans held the Senate majority.
2018 Corruption Case Ends in Mistrial
The New Jersey senator faced a separate corruption case in 2018, which resulted in a mistrial.
Source: rawpixel.com
He also denied any wrongdoing in that instance.