Senator Bob Menendez is facing growing pressure to resign from his Democratic colleagues in the Senate, including Senator Cory Booker, due to federal bribery allegations against him. Over 20 Senate Democrats, including some running for reelection next year, have called for Menendez’s resignation. The allegations against Menendez and his wife include using his position to aid the authoritarian government of Egypt and pressuring prosecutors to drop a case against a friend. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and refused to leave office, but has not yet announced whether he will run for reelection. Despite the calls for his resignation, Menendez remains defiant and confident in his innocence.
The calls for Menendez’s resignation mark a significant shift in the Senate, as home state colleagues typically refrain from public criticism of each other. Booker’s call for Menendez to step down is particularly noteworthy, as Booker had testified as a character witness in Menendez’s previous trial. The increasing pressure on Menendez to resign puts Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democratic leaders in a difficult position. So far, they have not called for Menendez’s resignation, with Schumer only stating that Menendez will step down from his position on the Foreign Relations panel. The White House has also declined to comment on whether Menendez should resign.
If Menendez chooses to run for reelection, he will face at least one primary challenger, Democratic Representative Andy Kim. Menendez’s party is unlikely to support him, as Senator Gary Peters, who chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has called for his resignation. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Menendez remains confident in his innocence and believes he will be exonerated. Menendez, along with his wife and two co-defendants, is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday.