Senator Menendez Collects Enough Signatures to Run as Independent

Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey has gathered enough signatures to run for reelection in November as an independent, as reported by NBC News on Thursday.

Despite being entangled in scandal and currently facing federal bribery charges in Manhattan, Menendez needed 800 signatures by the June 4 deadline to be able to appear on the ballot. He aims to gather 10,000 signatures to demonstrate the level of support he still has, according to the report.

June 4 also marks primary day for candidates in both parties who are competing to replace Menendez.

Menendez, aged 70, has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he used his influence to assist three businessmen, including providing favors to the governments of Qatar and Egypt, in exchange for money, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz convertible.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, was also charged but will have a separate trial scheduled for July. Menendez is currently on trial with two of the businessmen in Manhattan federal court while a third has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the other defendants.

Running as an independent enables Menendez to continue fundraising to cover his legal expenses, which have reached $2 million, as reported by NBC News.

Menendez is holding off on filing until June 4 to avoid being a distraction to his son, Rep. Robert Menendez Jr., who faces a competitive primary on the same day for his reelection in the 8th Congressional District, as per NBC News.