New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez won’t seek reelection as Democrat

U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez will not seek reelection this year in New Jersey’s Democratic primary but is keeping the door open to an independent run, announced his office following a 14-count federal bribery indictment. Menendez posted a nine-minute video to social media on Thursday, March 21.

“I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” he said. “I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in a general election.”

Despite intense pressure from both Washington and his home state to resign after his indictment on corruption charges in New York City last fall, Menendez has previously refused to step down

The indictment states that, in exchange for lavish gifts and hundreds of thousands of dollars, Menendez performed ‘official acts’ such as sharing ‘cabinet-level information’ with governments in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, among others.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, claiming they have subjected him and his extensive public service of more than 25 years to “a cloud of suspicion.”

“I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing. Believe me, I am disappointed at the false accusations as well,” Menendez said. “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, as I have for the past years, to fight for New Jersey, for you, your family, and a more prosperous, secure future.”