Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey has firmly rejected calls for his resignation following his recent indictment on federal bribery charges. The senator, speaking passionately at a press conference in Union City on Monday, affirmed his determination to face the allegations head-on.
Menendez declared, “I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s senior senator.”
Together with his wife, Nadine, Senator Menendez faces charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.
Federal prosecutors based in New York have alleged that the couple received substantial sums of money and opulent luxury gifts in return for Senator Menendez wielding his influence to benefit three New Jersey business associates and the government of Egypt. These businessmen also face charges.
Menendez vehemently defended his stance, asserting that he has “always worked to hold accountable those countries, including Egypt, for human rights abuses,” and he believes that those questioning his actions regarding Egypt “simply do not know the facts.”
The indictment notably mentioned that federal agents discovered stacks of cash concealed throughout Menendez’s residence during a search conducted last year. In response, the senator clarified, “This may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account, based on the income that I had lawfully derived over those 30 years.”
Regarding the other allegations, Menendez stated that he would address them during the upcoming trial.
Despite facing increasing pressure to step down, Menendez stood his ground, declaring, “I’m not going anywhere.” He and his co-defendants are set to appear in court on Wednesday.
As per Senate Democratic Caucus rules, the senator has temporarily stepped down from his role as the chair of the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
In a bid to maintain the trust of his constituents in New Jersey, Menendez expressed his commitment to continue his work on their behalf. He mentioned the urgency of avoiding a government shutdown and emphasized his dedication to the state’s residents.
Notably, New Jersey’s other Democratic Senator, Cory Booker, has not publicly commented on the matter. Before Menendez’s defiant statement, only one Democratic senator, John Fetterman of neighboring Pennsylvania, had called for his resignation. Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Senator Peter Welch of Vermont later joined the chorus of voices demanding his resignation.
Senator Menendez, who has served in his role since 2006, is up for reelection in 2024. Democratic Representative Andy Kim of New Jersey has recently announced a primary challenge against Menendez.
Former Republican Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, currently in the presidential race, confirmed that he has no intention of running for the Senate seat in 2024.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York has also joined the ranks of prominent Democratic lawmakers calling for Menendez’s resignation. She emphasized that it is in the best interest for Senator Menendez to step down at this juncture.
In his closing remarks, Senator Menendez implored his colleagues, advocates, and residents of New Jersey to allow all the facts to be presented before making judgments. It is a moment of profound significance for the senator, as he faces a tumultuous battle to defend his innocence against the allegations brought against him, with the future of his political career hanging in the balance.
