Menendez defiant on resignation calls: 'I am not going anywhere'

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez is resisting calls for his resignation after prosecutors indicted him and his wife on felony bribery charges on Friday.

Prosecutors alleged that the couple took bribes in exchange for access to senator's influence. In at least once instance, he allegedly engaged in corrupt actions to benefit the authoritarian government of Egypt. Many Democrats have since demanded his resignation, though he has thus far declined to leave office.

"Those who believe in justice believe in innocence until proven guilty... I intend to continue to fight for the people of New Jersey with the same success I’ve had for the past five decades," he said on Friday, according to The Hill. "This is the same record of success these very same leaders have lauded all along."

He has, however, stepped down from his post as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in accordance with Democratic conference rules. Should either he be acquitted or the charges be downgraded, however, he may return to his post.

Though some prominent Democrats such as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have called for his resignation outright, Senate leadership has stood by Menendez, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer touting the presumption of innocence.

"Bob Menendez has been a dedicated public servant and is always fighting hard for the people of New Jersey. He has a right to due process and a fair trial," he said Friday.

Prosecutors claim that law enforcement found $480,000 in cash at the Democrat's home, along with $100,000 worth of gold bars.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.