Sen. Bob Menendez Faces Pressure to Resign After Bribery Conviction

Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) is reportedly considering resigning from office following his conviction on 16 federal counts, including bribery, obstruction of justice, and extortion, as reported by NBC News. Sources close to Menendez have suggested that the New Jersey Democrat may step down before the end of his term in January. 

Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, were found guilty this week of accepting bribes from local business associates and foreign entities, including Egypt. The Department of Justice alleged that the Menendezes received hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for using the senator’s influence to benefit these individuals and entities.

In the wake of the verdict, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have all called for Menendez to resign. Schumer emphasized that resignation would be the right course of action for Menendez in light of the verdict.

Despite the reports of his potential resignation, Menendez has denied discussing his resignation plans with any allies, asserting that he has not resigned and does not intend to do so under perceived pressure.

Should Menendez choose to resign, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) would appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of Menendez’s term. Murphy has previously urged Menendez to resign. The November election will feature Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Republican candidate Curtis Bashaw as contenders for the seat in the next term.