Politics & Government
Sen. Bob Menendez Won't Run In NJ Democratic Primary: See VIDEO
After trying to get bribery charges against himself and his wife dropped, Sen. Bob Menendez announced he won't run as a Democrat.
NEW JERSEY — U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, who's fighting an indictment for allegedly accepting bribes, isn't giving up on running for re-election this year, he said in a 9-minute video Thursday night — but he's not going to run in the June Democratic primary.
Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian, were indicted on Sept. 22, 2023 for allegedly accepting the bribes from at least three business contacts.
In his video Thursday night, Menendez talked about his accomplishments, including help New Jersey recover after Superstorm Sandy, COVID, and recessions.
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He said that while he won't run in the June Democratic primary, "I'm confident that I'll be exonerated this summer" and could run as an Independentin November.
Investigators famously found gold bars in the couple's closet during a 2019 search of their home, according to federal prosecutors, who allege the items were part of a bribe.
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Menendez, who is free on bail, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He awaits a trial on Monday, May 6.
He said in the video, "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."
Among other candidates, he would face whichever Democrat succeeds in the June primary, including candidates Rep. Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy.
Prior reporting:
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