Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey announced today that he will not seek renomination in the Democratic primary for his US Senate seat.
The indicted lawmaker, who is currently facing bribery and obstruction of justice charges over allegations that he served as a spy for the governments of Egypt and Qatar, left a door open to potentially running as an independent candidate in a video posted online.
“I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy,” said Menendez, expressing hope for his second escape from justice after the Trump administration dismissed criminal charges after a hung jury failed to convict him after an 11-week trial in 2017.
He maintained his innocence against the accusations and lamented how the charges have hindered his ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and debate with political opponents.
The decision to abandon the Democratic primary comes amidst mounting calls for Menendez to resign, including pressure from several Senate Democratic colleagues, due to the serious nature of the charges against him.
“I will win in November even if I have to beat Menendez and a Republican simultaneously,” said Rep. Andy Kim, the Senator’s 2018 running mate who is hoping to take his seat. “The balance of the Senate is on the line and we need the strongest candidate possible to keep this seat blue and the Senate in Democratic control.”
“New Jersey needs a Senator focused on solving the challenges facing our families — affordability, reproductive rights, gun safety and the ability to live the American Dream — and that’s exactly what I’ll do,” said New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy. “Senator Menendez continues to place himself ahead of what’s best for New Jerseyans and the Democratic Party as a whole. He shouldn’t have the privilege of serving in the Senate in any capacity.”
“The exact same geniuses who gave us Bob Menendez are now pushing Tammy Murphy on us,” replied Jay Lassiter, an LGBT activist who contends that he spent the early part if this century fighting the terrible things that Murphy enabled with her $95,000 in donations and two votes for George W. Bush, adding: “Buyer beware!”
“This year, New Jersey can and should reject the corrupt politics that enabled Senator Menendez – and support Rep. Rob Menendez Jr.,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravinder S. Bhalla, a challenger in the 8th Congressional District primary. “That starts with abolishing the line, and finally returning power to the voters to select their representatives.”
Noting that both warmongering congressmen eagerly advocate for the military industrial complex, Marcy Wheeler, an independent journalist fosucing on national security and civil liberties, said replacing Menendez with Kim “would be more of the same.”
Despite the compelling criminal case against him, Menendez claims he can prove his innocence and continue serving as a senator.
Menendez has until June 4 to file petitions to run as an independent candidate, giving him more time to assess the outcome of his trial.
The filing deadline for independent candidates to withdraw from the race without appearing on the ballot is August 16, providing flexibility in his decision-making process, which might entail threatening to detract from New Jersey’s Democratic performance in the critical 2024 presidential election.
Menendez’s announcement comes shortly before the state’s Democratic filing deadline, indicating a strategic timing in his political maneuvering.
He has notably refrained from participating in various Democratic events and debates in recent weeks, signaling a shift in his approach to his reelection campaign.
Speculation about Menendez potentially running as an independent began following the unsealing of the federal corruption indictment against him last year. The indictment alleges that Menendez accepted bribes and acted as an agent for foreign governments.
Throughout this ordeal, Menendez has defended his actions and criticized those calling for his resignation. He has maintained his innocence and emphasized the importance of due process in the face of legal challenges.
Menendez’s decision not to seek reelection as a Democrat reflects a complex political landscape in New Jersey, where the dynamics of party affiliation and individual integrity intersect.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the future of Menendez’s political career remains uncertain, with his potential candidacy as an independent adding a new dimension to the upcoming Senate race in the state.