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Jimmy Williams
Senator Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has reportedly informed allies of his intention to resign from Congress following his recent conviction on federal corruption charges, according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke with NBC News.
The resignation would mark the end of Menendez’s extensive political career, which has spanned nearly 40 years and includes significant roles such as committee chairmanship and major legislative contributions.
Menendez, who had previously resisted calls to step down from numerous Senate Democrats, appears to have conceded after his guilty verdict and increasing threats of expulsion if he refused to resign. Among those who urged his departure were Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, and fellow New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign,” Schumer said in a statement following the verdict. Menendez, however, did not respond to initial requests for comment and later told CBS New York that he had not yet resigned and had not spoken to any allies about such a decision.
The senator was convicted on Tuesday on 16 federal counts related to corruption. Prosecutors detailed how Menendez used his official position to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and foreign governments, receiving bribes that included “cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle and other items of value.”
If Menendez resigns, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will appoint a temporary senator to complete his term, which is set to end in January 2025. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw are running for Menendez’s seat in the upcoming November election. Menendez had initially filed to run for the seat as an independent and indicated he would continue his campaign if exonerated.
Menendez’s political journey began in the mid-1980s as mayor of Union City. He later served 13 years in the House before moving to the Senate in 2006. His tenure included two terms as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he gave up last year after his indictment. Despite the charges, he remained an active Senate member and a voting member of the Foreign Relations Committee.
The senator and his wife, Nadine, faced charges in September for bribery, fraud, and extortion, and were later accused of accepting bribes from foreign governments. Menendez denied these allegations, describing them as part of an “active smear campaign” and misrepresentations of his Congressional work. He has vowed to appeal the conviction.
Menendez had previously faced similar legal troubles. In 2015, he was indicted on corruption charges related to alleged favors from a wealthy Florida optometrist, but that case ended in a mistrial. The Department of Justice chose not to retry him after a judge dismissed some counts.
In addition to his legislative achievements, Menendez was a key advocate for immigration reform, co-authoring the “Gang of 8” bill in 2013 and proposing new immigration reforms last year.
The Senate passed the No CORRUPTION Act last year, a bill that would prevent convicted felons from receiving pensions, though it still needs to clear the House.
With Menendez’s departure, Democrats view it as an opportunity to highlight their stance on ethical governance, especially as the GOP nominates Donald Trump for president.
“Senator Menendez has undermined the public’s faith and is no longer able to serve effectively in the U.S. Senate,” said Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., chair of the Democratic Senate campaign arm. “I hope it doesn’t come to this, but if he refuses to do the right thing and resign immediately, I support the Senate taking action to remove him from his position.”
