U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Resigns Amid Corruption Convictions

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on multiple corruption charges. Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will appoint a replacement. Menendez plans to appeal the verdict. His resignation temporarily alters the Senate's Democratic majority. Menendez's long political career included significant influence on foreign relations.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez resigned on Tuesday after being convicted on corruption charges, including bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt's government. The resignation comes amid mounting pressure from fellow Democrats for Menendez to step down.

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey will appoint a replacement for Menendez, who had represented the state in the Senate since 2006. The senator was found guilty by a jury in Manhattan federal court on all 16 criminal counts, including obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and extortion, after a nine-week trial. Menendez plans to appeal the conviction.

The case revealed bribery schemes where Menendez and his wife accepted cash, gold bars, and other valuables from businessmen in exchange for Menendez steering U.S. aid to Egypt and influencing criminal prosecutions. His resignation temporarily reduces the Democratic majority in the Senate until Murphy's appointee steps in. Numerous prominent Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, had called for Menendez to resign.

Menendez had a long political career, initially serving in the U.S. House of Representatives and then winning three Senate terms after his 2006 appointment. Known for his strong stance on American foreign relations, Menendez recently advocated for more aid to Ukraine and Israel.

(With inputs from agencies.)