Andy Kim to replace George Helmy in the Senate next week

Democratic New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim, who was elected to the Senate last month, will be sworn into office next Monday, replacing the state's Democratic Sen. George Helmy.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tapped Helmy to replace former Democratic senator Bob Menendez in August. Menendez resigned after he was convicted on all counts by a jury in a federal corruption trial in July. Helmy was selected as the replacement until a new senator was elected in November. 

Helmy announced that he will officially resign his post on Sunday, which clears the way for Kim's appointment on Monday. Murphy is expected to appoint Kim to fill out the rest of the term, before being sworn into a full six-year term in January, per The Hill.

“It is with a profound sense of gratitude and emotion that I announce my resignation as U.S. Senator for New Jersey,” Helmy said in a statement. “It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate and I am eternally grateful to Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility.” 

Helmy also praised Kim, stating that voters made the right choice in electing him over Republican challenger Curtis Bashaw.

Kim will be the first Korean American to serve in the Senate.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.