He was indicted and still wants to be re-elected.
Democratic Senator Bob Menendez declared on Thursday his intention to potentially pursue a fourth term in New Jersey as an independent candidate amidst facing federal bribery accusations, expressing optimism about exoneration prior to the general election.
In a nine-minute video announcement swiftly removed after its posting on Thursday afternoon, Menendez revealed his decision not to seek re-election as a Democrat ahead of the primary filing deadline on Monday.
Regrettably, Menendez stated, “the current allegations I am confronting, of which I assert my innocence and intend to vindicate, impede my ability to engage in constructive dialogue and debate with political adversaries who have already weaponized these accusations in their campaigns. The people of New Jersey deserve a more substantive discourse than this.”
“I remain hopeful that my exoneration will be forthcoming this summer, allowing me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election,” he added later.
Menendez, initially elected in 2006, vehemently denies any wrongdoing in the case, which includes 18 charges alleging obstruction of justice and acceptance of bribes ranging from cash to luxury items, purportedly using his influence to favor Egypt. Menendez and his spouse were indicted in September, subsequently facing additional charges, including obstruction of justice.
Upon his indictment, Menendez resigned as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Although over 30 Senate Democratic colleagues, including New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, have called for Menendez’s resignation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer refrains from such demands, although he has criticized Menendez’s conduct as falling “way, way below” the standards of his office.
Menendez had been contemplating an independent candidacy ahead of Monday’s filing deadline for the Democratic primary. He has until June 4, coinciding with the primary, to collect 800 signatures required for an independent re-election bid.
Continuing his Senate campaign enables Menendez to continue fundraising, with campaign funds potentially allocated for legal expenses. Despite a decrease in fundraising during the last quarter of 2023, Menendez’s campaign concluded the year with $6.2 million on hand, having expended $2.3 million on legal fees during that period. Additionally, Menendez established a separate legal defense fund in July, which garnered nearly $470,000 in the latter half of 2023, according to an IRS filing.
Democratic Representative Andy Kim, who initiated a Senate bid following Menendez’s indictment last year, expressed concern about the potential independent run, deeming it “alarming” and warning of its potential to jeopardize the seat and provide Republicans with an opportunity.
However, New Jersey’s first lady, Tammy Murphy, refrained from expressing similar concerns, emphasizing her focus on her own campaign while reiterating calls for Menendez’s resignation, citing a lack of moral authority amidst the accusations.
Despite doubts about Menendez’s independent candidacy expressed by New Jersey State Democratic Party Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr., Democrats remain optimistic about retaining the Senate seat given the state’s Democratic leanings, with President Joe Biden’s significant victory margin in New Jersey in 2020 serving as a reassuring factor.
Menendez’s previous re-election in 2018, despite GOP attempts to leverage past charges, underscores Democrats’ confidence in maintaining the seat, despite the ethical controversies surrounding Menendez’s tenure.
