Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey who was indicted, said on Thursday that he will not be participating in the Democratic primary due to accusations that he used his political power for financial gain. However, he added that if he is found not guilty, he may fight for reelection as an independent.
“In June, I will not be running for the Democratic primary. In a video posted on YouTube, Menendez said, “I am optimistic that I will be cleared this summer, enabling me to run as an independent Democrat in the general election.”
Menendez resigned from his influential position as the Foreign Relations Committee chairman, but he has remained resolute despite demands for his resignation since he was charged with federal corruption in September.
According to the accusations, Menendez and his spouse, Nadine, took in bribes totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars, which included cash, furniture, and gold bars. He then allegedly used his connections and influence to shield and enrich three businesspeople in New Jersey and to further the interests of the governments of Qatar and Egypt.
Subsequent charges in the months that have passed have claimed that Menendez and his spouse planned to work as Egypt’s foreign agent and took lavish gifts in return for positive remarks about Qatar. The pair was charged with hindering the scheme’s investigation in the most recent indictment, which was made public in March.
Menendez and his spouse have entered not-guilty pleas to every allegation. In May, their trial is scheduled to start.
Though there have been previous demands for Menendez to step down or retire, this case’s indictment posed the greatest danger to his political career, leading several New Jersey Democrats—including Governor Phil Murphy—to demand his resignation.
“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.
The Democratic primary field for Menendez’s replacement in the Senate is already rather competitive, with Rep. Andy Kim and New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy leading the pack.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed disappointment that Menendez has not “lived up to those standards,” but he has refrained from asking Menendez to step down, saying instead that “the Senate has certain standards that we must live up to.”
Menendez expressed regret in his video speech, but he made it clear that he had no intention of leaving Congress.
“I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing,” he said. “Trust me, I am also upset by the unfounded charges. I only beg that you hold off on passing judgment until justice is served. I will keep working tirelessly every day, as I have done for the last 19 years, to fight for New Jersey, for you and your family, and for a more prosperous and secure future until then.”
