Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who is facing federal corruption charges, will run for a fourth term as an independent in the U.S. Senate, according to the New Jersey Globe.
The longtime Democratic Party official from the Garden State is set to announce his candidacy today after gathering enough signatures to qualify as an independent candidate. Gloves Have Confirmed Menendez has no campaign staff and is running his own campaign, a tough development for the ousted politician.
Senator rejection He announced in March that he would seek reelection as a Democrat and has been considering running as an independent since then, and reportedly began circulating petitions to run as an independent in May.
Menendez and his wife, Nadine, were each indicted in September 2023 on three federal counts of accepting bribes from three New Jersey businessmen, sending shock waves through New Jersey’s political landscape.
The couple are accused of using their power and influence as senatorial officials to “protect and enrich businessmen” and “benefit the Arab Republic of Egypt.” Indictment In The New York Times.
Menendez was indicted on further charges in January, accusing him of accepting bribes from Qatar’s royal family in exchange for speaking highly of the country. In return for positive comments about Qatar, Menendez allegedly received valuables, including luxury watches.
Authorities who searched the couple’s New Jersey home reportedly found $600,000 in cash and gold bars hidden in closets, designer bags and even boots.
Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) has emerged as the leading candidate to replace Menendez, but Mr. Menendez could thwart the bid by running as an independent in November. Four Republican candidates are running in the May 4 primary.
Menendez is in lower Manhattan today, on the 12th day of his federal corruption trial, where a friend is reportedly planning to deliver signatures to the state elections department.
Four members of the Senate Democratic Caucus are independents: Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-NH), Angus King (I-MA), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Joe Manchin (I-WV). Sens. Sinema and Manchin are retiring at the end of this Congress, but Manchin will become an independent on May 31, sparking speculation about his next move.
Bradley Jay is Capitol Hill correspondent for Breitbart News. Follow him on X/Twitter. translator.
