The embattled New Jersey Democrat will file for reelection as an independent, a Hail Mary that will come just before Tuesday’s deadline and amid his trial.
Menendez, 70, will file nominating petitions that he’s gathered in recent weeks that are signed by at least 800 people, which is the minimum requirement, according to theThe Menendez campaign could not be reached. It is not clear whether Menendez has any campaign staff.The move comes as Menendez battles federal charges for allegedly accepting lavish bribes and working as a foreign agent of Egypt and Qatar.
Sen. Bob Menendez leaves the Manhattan federal court after the second day of jury selection in his trial, Tuesday, May, 14, 2024, in New York. The Democrat has pleaded not guilty to bribery, extortion, fraud, and obstruction of justice, along with acting as a foreign agent of Egypt. Filing as an independent by Tuesday’s deadline gives Menendez until Aug. 16 to determine whether he wants to withdraw or continue to the November election. Menendez previously said that should he be exonerated, he’d seek a fourth term as an independent. He’s pleaded not guilty and has denied any wrongdoing in his case, which is expected to wrap before the Aug. 16 deadline.
Menendez did not run in the Democratic primary, which is Tuesday. Rep. Andy Kim is expected to secure the nomination.But appearing as an independent on the general election ballot could act as a spoiler for Kim and hand the deep blue Garden State seat over to Republicans. Most Democratic senators have urged Menendez to resign, as others push him to quietly leave office at the end of his term in January.
“Everyone knows Bob Menendez isn’t running for NJ families. He’s running for himself,” Kim posted Monday on social media. “People are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of what’s right for the country. It’s beyond time for change. I’m stepping up to restore integrity back to the Senate.”
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