Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) plans to seek a fourth term in the U.S. Senate as an independent, as he confronts federal corruption charges, according to the New Jersey Globe.
The senator chose not to run for reelection as a Democrat in March and has been considering an independent candidacy since then. Reports indicate he began circulating a petition in May to be listed on the ballot as an independent.
The couple is accused of exploiting the senator’s power to “protect and enrich” certain businessmen and benefiting the Arab Republic of Egypt, as outlined in the indictment from the New York Times.
In January, Menendez faced further allegations, accused of taking bribes from the Qatari royal family in exchange for praising Qatar. Allegedly, he received luxury items such as high-end wristwatches in return for his favorable remarks.
During a raid on the couple’s New Jersey residence, authorities reportedly found $600,000 in cash and gold bars hidden in various places, including closets, designer bags, and boots.
Menendez is currently in Lower Manhattan for the twelfth day of his federal corruption trial. A friend is expected to submit his signatures to the state division of elections.
Four members of the Senate Democrat Caucus are independents: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Joe Manchin (I-WV). Sinema and Manchin plan to retire at the conclusion of this Congress. Manchin shifted his affiliation to independent on May 31, leading to speculation about his future actions.
