Sen. Menendez won’t seek Democratic nod for reelection, may run as independent in November

Sen. Bob Menendez will not seek the Democratic nod for his own seat this June as he faces charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent, though he is leaving the door open to an independent campaign in the fall.

The senator said in a video he released Thursday afternoon that the charges against him would bar a campaign based on issues.

“Unfortunately, the present accusations I am facing — of which I am innocent, and will prove so — would not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents who have already made it the cornerstone of their campaign,” he said in the nine-minute video.

Democratic support for the incumbent has virtually evaporated after prosecutors unveiled a series of indictments accusing him of trading official favors, including aid Egypt and Qatar and his intervention in state and criminal prosecutions, in exchange for furniture, cash, a Mercedes Benz, and gold bars.

First lady Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim (D-03) have emerged as the front-runners in the Democratic primary to succeed him. Labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina and activist Larry Hamm are also running for the Democratic nomination.

A Monmouth University poll released earlier this month found 63% of New Jersey adults believe Menendez should resign.

Menendez said he may seek reelection as an independent if the charges against him are not sustained. His trial is scheduled to start in May.

“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,” he said.

Kim reacted to the Menendez news by pledging to win in November even if Menendez jumps in the race as an independent.

“I will win in November even if I have to beat Menendez and a Republican simultaneously. The balance of the Senate is on the line and we need the strongest candidate possible to keep this seat blue and the Senate in Democratic control,” Kim said on social media.

Murphy, meanwhile, said Menendez should not serve in the Senate in any capacity.

“New Jersey needs a Senator focused on solving the challenges facing our families — affordability, reproductive rights, gun safety and the ability to live the American Dream — and that’s exactly what I’ll do,” she said. “Senator Menendez continues to place himself ahead of what’s best for New Jerseyans and the Democratic Party as a whole.”