Scandal-plagued Sen. Bob Menendez has left the door open to running as an independent after it was reported that he would not seek reelection as a Democrat. Menendez, who is facing 18 federal counts over a bribery scheme, expressed his inability to engage in political dialogue and debate due to the accusations against him. In a video posted on YouTube, he maintained his innocence and expressed hope for exoneration this summer, allowing him to pursue his candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election.
The Post had previously reported Menendez’s decision not to defend his seat as a Democrat, leading to a heated race among Democrats to replace him. Rep. Andy Kim and first lady Tammy Murphy are currently vying for the party’s nomination. The Democratic primary for Menendez’s Senate seat is scheduled for June 4.
Menendez, who has served in the Senate since 2006, managed to win reelection in 2018 despite facing separate bribery charges that resulted in a hung jury. His trial for the 18 federal counts is set to begin on May 6. The senator and his wife are accused of accepting bribes, including gold bars, cash payments, a Mercedes-Benz convertible, and other lavish gifts, in exchange for assisting businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes, who are also charged in the case. Prosecutors allege that Menendez was bribed to pressure the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to favorably resolve a criminal prosecution.
Menendez, who previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stepped down from his position after the indictment was lodged against him. Despite calls for his resignation, including from Sen. John Fetterman, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has not taken action to expel him.
