New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat, is reportedly considering resigning from Congress after being convicted on all counts in his federal corruption trial. According to an NBC News report, Menendez has told allies that he will step down, despite previously refusing to resign in the face of demands from dozens of Senate Democrats.
Senate leaders have also called on Menendez to resign, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, and Senator Cory Booker. Schumer released a statement saying, “In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”
If Menendez were to resign, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy would appoint a senator to complete his term. Several candidates are already vying for the seat, including Representative Andy Kim and Senate Republican nominee Curtis Bashaw.
A recent poll conducted by the Republican super PAC United 2024 found that former President Donald Trump is leading President Joe Biden in New Jersey, although the difference is within the survey’s margin of error. The poll also showed Kim leading Bashaw 35 to 33 percent, with Menendez receiving six percent support. Without considering Menendez, Kim leads Bashaw 41 to 39 percent.
According to Matt Mowers, a senior strategist for United 2024, the survey suggests that voters are dissatisfied with the Biden-Harris administration and are seeking to punish Democrats running for office as a result of their support for the administration.
