Schumer calls on Menendez to resign after guilty verdict in bribery case

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Tuesday urged New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to resign from office in the wake of a jury verdict finding him guilty in a corruption case.

Menendez faced 16 felony counts, including obstruction of justice, extortion, bribery, wire fraud, and acting as a foreign agent. He pleaded not guilty and did not testify during the proceedings.

"In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer posted on X.

After his indictment, Menendez stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, pursuant to Democratic conference rules, but he did not leave his Senate seat.

He filed to seek reelection as an independent in early June, though his conviction will likely affect such plans.