US Senator Resigns Following Conviction for Bribery

Influential U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez has decided to step down after being convicted of bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

The New Jersey Democrat, who previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted on July 16 on all 16 counts of bribery, which included accepting gold bars and assisting the Egyptian and Qatari governments.

Mr. Menendez officially resigned on July 23, following the Senate Ethics Committee’s decision to launch an investigation into ethics violations that could have led to his expulsion. He plans to leave office on Aug. 23, while maintaining his innocence and expressing his intent to appeal the conviction.

“While I plan to appeal the jury’s decision, even up to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a prolonged process that could divert attention from its crucial tasks,” he wrote to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.

In his resignation letter, the senator highlighted his achievements, such as aiding Hurricane Sandy victims and securing federal funding for a rail tunnel connecting New York and New Jersey.

Mr. Menendez, 70 years old, has had a distinguished 50-year career in public service, serving in the Senate since 2006 and in Congress since 1993. Prior to that, he held positions in the New Jersey Senate, the New Jersey General Assembly, and as the mayor of Union City in New Jersey.

“I have always upheld my public oath. I have consistently been a patriot of my country and for my country,” Mr. Menendez stated following his conviction.

An FBI raid conducted in June 2022 at Mr. Menendez’s residence uncovered over $480,000 in cash, as well as gold bars and a Mercedes Benz.

He was accused of receiving bribes from New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, who were convicted alongside Mr. Menendez in trial, as well as a third businessman, Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and testified against Mr. Menendez.

Mr. Menendez faced previous bribery accusations in 2017 that resulted in a mistrial.

Mr. Murphy confirmed receipt of Mr. Menendez’s resignation letter, but has yet to appoint a replacement to serve out the remainder of his term until Jan. 3, 2025.

Many Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, urged him to resign after his recent conviction.

U.S Rep. Andy Kim, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in the upcoming November elections, expressed his approval on the social media platform X.

“Senator Menendez has made the correct decision for New Jersey by agreeing to step down next month. It is time for New Jersey to move forward. We face significant challenges ahead,” he wrote.

Mr. Kim announced his Senate candidacy shortly after Mr. Menendez was indicted in September.

Jackson Richman contributed to this report.