George Helmy sworn in as Menendez's replacement as new senator from New Jersey

Helmy has pledged to serve as the state's "second crucial voice in the Democratic Caucus" and vowed to work alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on "important issues" for the remainder of the term.

By Misty Severi

Published: September 9, 2024 6:18pm

George Helmy on Monday, who was tapped by Democratic New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to replace Sen. Bob Menendez, was sworn in as the newest U.S. senator and will serve the remainder of Menendez's term.

Menendez resigned from the Senate last month, after he was convicted on all counts by a jury in a federal corruption trial in July. Helmy will now serve the last five months of the former senator's term, and is not seeking a full term in November.

The new Democratic senator previously served as Murphy's chief of staff, and also worked for fellow New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker. Prior to his appointment in the Senate, Helmy was a health care executive in one of New Jersey’s largest hospital systems.

“I just want to say a word of congratulations to our new senator,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor after Helmy took the oath of office. “He’s going to be a great addition, and it’s another ceiling being broken. He is the first member of the Coptic Church to become a senator in the United States of America."

Helmy has pledged to serve as the state's "second crucial vote in the Democratic Caucus" and vowed to work alongside Schumer on "important items" for the remainder of the term.

New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim is running as the Democratic nominee for the full-term, and will face Republican Curtis Bashaw on November 5.

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