Menendez say wife, Nadine, co-defendant in bribery case, has breast cancer, will undergo mastectomy

New Jersey Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez says his wife, Nadine Menendez, a defendant with him a federal bribery trial now underway has breast cancer and will undergo a mastectomy.

The senator made the statement Thursday, the second day in which he, his wife and three New Jersey businessmen are being charged.

Nadine Menendez's trial will be separate and is schedule to start in July, following the 57-year-old's request for the postponement because of her health. 

“Nadine is suffering from Grade 3 breast cancer, which will require her to have mastectomy surgery," the senator said in a statement. "We are, of course, concerned about the seriousness and advanced stage of the disease. She will require follow-up surgery and possibly radiation treatment. We hope and pray for the best results."

He also said he was compelled to reveal her medical condition "as a result of constant press inquiries and reporters following my wife."

Until Thursday, the only reason cited for her trial delay was a non-specific health problem.

A federal grand jury in New York in September 2023 indicted the senator and his wife of charges of having a corrupt relationship with the New Jersey businessmen

Both have pleaded not guilty. The 70-year-old senator is on trial with two of his co-defendants: Wael Hana, an Egyptian American businessman, and Fred Daibes, a New Jersey real estate developer, They have also pleaded not guilty, according to CNN.