Senator Bob Menendez to Resign Following Conviction on Federal Corruption Charges

WASHINGTON — Senator Bob Menendez, D-N.J., has informed his allies of his intention to resign from Congress after being convicted on federal corruption charges. This decision marks the end of a three-decade-long career in Congress, characterized by significant legislative achievements and notable controversies.

Menendez, who had steadfastly resisted numerous calls from fellow Senate Democrats to step down, seems to have conceded following his guilty verdict and escalating threats of expulsion. Sources close to the matter revealed to NBC News that Menendez has been contacting his allies to inform them of his decision to resign. This move follows growing pressure from prominent Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.; Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; and his New Jersey colleague, Senator Cory Booker.

"In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer stated after Menendez's trial concluded with guilty verdicts.

Menendez has yet to make an official public comment on his resignation. In response to inquiries from NBC News, he told CBS New York that he had not resigned, "nor have I spoken to any so-called allies."

Menendez was convicted on Tuesday of 16 federal counts, which included charges of using his official position to benefit three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez and his wife, Nadine, received substantial bribes in the form of cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-show job, a luxury vehicle, and other valuable items.

Should Menendez resign, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat who was among the first to call for Menendez's resignation, will appoint an interim senator to complete Menendez's term, which ends in January. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw are currently campaigning for Menendez's Senate seat in the upcoming November general election. Menendez had filed to run for re-election as an independent, indicating he would continue his campaign if exonerated.

Menendez's political career spans nearly four decades, beginning in the mid-1980s when he became mayor of Union City. He served 13 years in the House of Representatives before joining the Senate in 2006. During his Senate tenure, he twice chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position he relinquished last year following his indictment, though he remained an active voting member.

In September, Menendez and his wife were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. A superseding indictment later added charges of accepting bribes from a foreign government and conspiring to act as a foreign agent. According to the indictment, Menendez "provided sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt."

Menendez has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as part of an "active smear campaign" and asserting that prosecutors "misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office." He has indicated plans to appeal his conviction.

In public statements made in September, Menendez explained that the $480,000 in cash found by investigators hidden around his house was money he had saved over decades for emergencies.

This is not Menendez's first encounter with federal corruption charges. In 2015, he was indicted on charges related to accepting favors from a wealthy Florida optometrist, including travel, accommodations, and political contributions. That case ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury, and prosecutors chose not to retry him after some charges were dismissed.

Menendez is the first sitting senator in U.S. history to face two unrelated criminal indictments, according to Senate Historical Office records.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez has been a prominent advocate for immigration reform in the Senate. In 2013, he co-authored the "Gang of 8" immigration overhaul bill, which passed the Senate but stalled in the House. Last year, he introduced a framework for immigration reform that included creating new pathways to citizenship amid ongoing concerns about migrant crossings at the southern border.

In addition to his legislative efforts, Menendez's conviction could have financial implications. The Senate unanimously passed the No CORRUPTION Act last year, which would bar convicted members of Congress from collecting pensions. This legislation, introduced by Senators Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., still requires House approval.

Menendez's resignation presents an opportunity for Democrats to draw a clear distinction between themselves and Republicans on the issue of political corruption. As Senator Gary Peters, D-Mich., chair of the Democratic Senate campaign arm, noted, "Senator Menendez has undermined the public’s faith and is no longer able to serve effectively in the U.S. Senate. I hope it doesn’t come to this, but if he refuses to do the right thing and resign immediately, I support the Senate taking action to remove him from his position."

Menendez's case continues to unfold, with potential repercussions for his political legacy, the composition of the Senate, and the broader fight against corruption in U.S. politics.