Menendez won't seek reelection as a Democrat, hints at independent run

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez on Thursday confirmed he would not seek reelection as a Democrat, but suggested he may do so on an independent ticket.

Menendez is currently facing a litany of federal charges though he denies wrongdoing. He pleaded not guilty to 12 counts earlier this month as part of superseding indictment over an alleged bribery scheme. Former Menendez associate Jose Uribe has pleaded guilty to seven charges related to the same allegations.

"I will not file for the Democratic Primary this June. I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election," he said. "This would allow me the time to not only remind New Jerseyans of how I've succeeded in being your champion, but how we will secure our financial futures, meet the challenges of raising a family, owning a home, provide for a college education, and secure a more peaceful world for all of us to live in."

NEW: Indicted Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced that he will not run for reelection as a Democrat but hopes that his “exoneration” will allow him to run as an Independent in June pic.twitter.com/qbgf1w68DY

— MSNBC (@MSNBC) March 21, 2024

"I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I'm facing. Believe me, I am disappointed in the false accusations as well. All I can ask of you is to withhold judgement until justice takes place," he concluded.

His plans could throw a wrench in Democratic efforts to retain control of the upper chamber. Typically regarded as a Democratic-leaning state, an independent Menendez candidacy could improve GOP prospects for a pickup.

While Menendez has refused to resign, he did step down as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pursuant to Democratic Conference rules. His trial is scheduled for May 6.

Prosecutors in September of last year announced that a search of Menendez's home turned up $480,000 in cash and another $100,000 in gold bars. He further faces allegations of acting as a foreign agent of the Egyptian government.

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