Washington — Senator Bob Menendez from New Jersey, who is facing allegations of trading political influence for money, announced on Thursday that he will not participate in the Democratic primary. However, he mentioned that he might consider running for reelection as an independent if he is cleared of the charges.
"I have decided not to enter the Democratic primary this June. I am optimistic that I will be cleared of all charges this summer, which would allow me to run as an independent Democrat in the general election," Menendez stated in a video posted on YouTube.
Menendez was charged with federal corruption in September. Despite facing pressure to resign, he has remained steadfast in his decision to stay in office, although he did step down from his influential position as the chair of the Foreign Relations Committee.
The allegations against Menendez and his wife, Nadine, involve accepting bribes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, which included cash, furniture, and gold bars. It is claimed that he used his authority and connections to benefit three businessmen in New Jersey and to further the interests of the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
In the months since, superseding indictments alleged Menendez and his wife conspired to act as a foreign agent for Egypt and accepted expensive gifts in exchange for favorable comments about Qatar. The latest indictment unsealed in March accused the duo of obstructing the investigation into the scheme.
Menendez and his wife have pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Their trial is set to begin in May.
Although Menendez has faced calls to resign or retire before, the indictment in this case brought the biggest threat to his political future, prompting a slew of New Jersey Democrats to call for his resignation, including Gov. Phil Murphy.
"Unfortunately, the present accusations I am facing, of which I am innocent and will prove so, will not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents that have already made it the cornerstone of their campaign," Menendez said.
A fierce primary is already underway to replace Menendez in the Senate, with Rep. Andy Kim and New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy topping the field of contenders vying for the Democratic nomination.
While Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stopped short of calling for Menendez to resign, he has said the "Senate has certain standards that we must live up to" and that he is "disappointed" that Menendez has not "lived up to those standards."
Senator Menendez Addresses Accusations
In a video statement, Senator Menendez acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the accusations against him but made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down from Congress.
"I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I'm facing," he said. "Believe me, I am disappointed at the false accusations as well. All I can ask of you is to withhold judgment until justice takes place. Until then, I will continue to work my heart out each and every day, as I have for the past 19 years to fight for New Jersey, for you, your family, in a more prosperous, secure future."
