Several Senate Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, are pressuring Sen. Bob Menendez to resign amid federal bribery allegations. Over 20 Senate Democrats have called for Menendez’s resignation, citing the need for higher standards and the loss of faith and trust from constituents. Menendez, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his wife are accused of using his position to aid the Egyptian government and pressure prosecutors to drop a case against a friend in exchange for bribes, including gold bars, a luxury car, and cash.
While Menendez has denied any wrongdoing, the mounting pressure from fellow Democrats is significant, particularly since Booker and Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham served as character witnesses in Menendez’s previous trial. Menendez’s first case ended with a deadlocked jury in 2017. The calls for his resignation put Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders in a difficult position, as they have not explicitly recommended his resignation. The White House has also declined to comment on whether Menendez should resign, stating that it is for Senate leadership and Menendez himself to address.
If Menendez chooses to run for reelection, he will likely face at least one challenger in the primary. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim has already announced his bid for the Senate due to the charges against Menendez. Moreover, Sen. Gary Peters, chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has called for Menendez’s resignation, potentially indicating a lack of support from his own party. Menendez’s arraignment, along with his wife and two businessmen co-defendants, is scheduled for Wednesday. Meanwhile, a judge ordered one of the defendants, Wael Hana, to be released on bail pending trial.
In conclusion, Sen. Bob Menendez is facing increasing pressure from his Democratic colleagues to resign over federal bribery allegations. More than 20 Senate Democrats, including Sen. Cory Booker, have called for his resignation, citing the need for higher standards and the loss of faith and trust from constituents. Menendez, who has denied any wrongdoing, is set to be arraigned alongside his wife and two co-defendants. The calls for his resignation put Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders in a difficult position, as they have not explicitly recommended his resignation.