U.S. Sen.
Bob Menendez is resigning from office Aug. 20 following his conviction for taking bribes for corrupt acts including acting as an agent of the Egyptian government. Menendez had insisted after the July 16 verdict that he was innocent and promised to appeal.
Menendez's attorney hasn't returned messages seeking comment. His resignation letter was read out loud on the Senate floor on Tuesday. The resignation gives New Jersey Gov.
Phil Murphy, a Democrat, the ability to appoint someone to the senate for the remainder of Menendez's term, which expires on Jan. 3. The seat was already up for election on Nov.
5. Democrats have nominated U.S.
Rep. Andy Kim, who is in a strong position in the Democratic-leaning state. He faces Republican Curtis Bashaw.
Menendez, 70, was convicted of charges that he sold the power of his office to three New Jersey businessmen who sought a variety of favours. Prosecutors said Menendez used his influence to meddle in three different state and federal criminal investigations to protect his associates. They said he helped one bribe-paying friend get a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to provide religious certification for meat bound for Egypt.
Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York, talks about a display of photos of evidence in an indictment against Menendez during a news conference in New York city in September 2023.
(Robert Bumsted/The Associated Press) Gold bars, cas.