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New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez is set to resign from office on August 20 following his conviction on federal bribery charges. The announcement comes a week after his conviction, despite his previous denials of plans to step down.
Menendez, 70, was found guilty on all 16 counts in his corruption trial earlier this month. The charges stemmed from a years-long public corruption investigation by the Justice Department. The government claimed that Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for using his power and influence as a U.S. senator to enrich and protect three New Jersey businessmen and benefit Egypt's government from roughly 2018 to 2022.
Menendez was convicted on 16 felony counts, including bribery, extortion, and acting as a foreign agent, on July 16. Despite his conviction, Menendez continues to maintain his innocence and plans to appeal.
Menendez's resignation comes after intense pressure from fellow Democrats, including New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker. His successor, who will serve the remainder of Menendez's term through January 3, 2025, is not expected to be announced this week.
Menendez's political career spans over 50 years, starting with his election to his local school board shortly after high school graduation. He has held office at every level in his home state and was appointed to the U.S. Senate in 2006 by then-Governor Jon Corzine.
His sentencing is scheduled for October 29.