Senator Menendez to resign

Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is set to resign from Congress on August 20 following his conviction on 16 counts of bribery, conspiracy, and other charges related to accepting bribes from foreign officials, including significant cash and gold bars. Menendez's conviction has prompted widespread calls for his resignation from fellow Democrats, including Senator Cory Booker and Governor Phil Murphy, amidst preparations for a Senate Ethics Committee investigation that could lead to his expulsion. Despite vowing to appeal his conviction, Menendez's resignation appears to be imminent as sources indicate he will formally announce it soon. His indictment also involved the alleged exchange of military aid to Egypt for favors. Menendez has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, but his political future is now uncertain as Rep. Andy Kim is seen as a likely successor in the upcoming election. Menendez was previously indicted in 2015, but that trial ended in a mistrial.