Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who was convicted on 16 felony counts of bribery and corruption, has officially resigned from the U.S. Senate.
He’s scheduled to be sentenced in October.
Disgraced Sen. Bob Menendez officially resigns after corruption conviction https://t.co/xmpDM9fBKB pic.twitter.com/DALdYVIr1q
— New York Post (@nypost) August 21, 2024
Per BBC:
Menendez, 70, has maintained his innocence and said he plans to appeal.
Menendez initially resisted calls to step down and – until last week – had kept his name on the ballot for re-election in November.
But in a resignation letter to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy last month, the former lawmaker said he would resign Tuesday to avoid becoming a distraction.
“I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work,” Menendez wrote.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced the appointment of George Samir Helmy to fill the vacant seat until a replacement is elected in November.
“Today I am proud to announce that I will appoint George Samir Helmy to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Menendez. George will serve with honesty and integrity and is the