U.S. Senator Bob Menendez Steps Down Amid Corruption Conviction

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez has resigned following his conviction on multiple corruption charges. Faced with pressure from fellow Democrats, his resignation will take effect on August 20, 2024. Democratic Governor Phil Murphy will appoint a temporary replacement. Menendez plans to appeal the verdict.

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez submitted his resignation on Tuesday following his conviction on corruption charges, including bribery and acting as an agent for Egypt's government, yielding to pressure from fellow Democrats to relinquish his position. "I will be resigning from my office as the United States Senator from New Jersey, effective at the close of business on Aug. 20, 2024," Menendez stated in a letter seen by Reuters.

"While I fully intend to appeal the jury's verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work," the letter added. Democratic New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will appoint a replacement for Menendez, who has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 2006 and served as chairman of the influential Foreign Relations Committee before stepping down from that position after being charged last year.

Murphy confirmed the receipt of the resignation letter but did not provide details on the timeline for naming Menendez's interim successor. A spokesperson for Murphy did not respond to requests for additional information. Menendez, 70, was found guilty on July 16 by a Manhattan federal court jury on 16 criminal counts, including obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and extortion following a nine-week trial. Menendez plans to appeal.

(With inputs from agencies.)