CNN
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New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced Friday that he is nominating his former chief of staff, George Helmy, to the U.S. Senate to replace Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who is resigning from office next week after being convicted of federal corruption.
Helmy is expected to serve the remainder of Menendez’s term, which ends early next year. Voters will choose a successor to serve the next term in November. New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim is the Democratic nominee for the seat and the clear favorite in the race against Republican Curtis Bashaw, a hotel developer.
“Crucially, George will serve in this role only temporarily,” Murphy said at a press conference on Friday. “George will hold this office until New Jersey voters have the opportunity to elect the next U.S. Senator for a full six-year term in this year’s election on November 5.”
“George is the ideal leader for this role,” Murphy said. “He is the model of integrity we need to restore public confidence in our state’s leadership.”
“No elected official is above the law,” the governor said. “When politicians abuse the public trust, the people can and will replace them.”
Menendez filed for re-election as an independent candidate earlier this year, but has now requested that he withdraw from the race. In a letter to the New Jersey Board of Elections, Menendez wrote that he wanted to withdraw his name from the November ballot.
On Friday, the governor also emphasized the historic nature of the appointment.
“As the proud son of two Egyptian-American immigrants … George will also make history as the only Arab-American Senator in the 118th Congress,” Murphy said.
According to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by CNN, Menendez will resign effective August 20.
In July, Menendez was found guilty on 16 counts for his role in a years-long bribery scheme, including bribery, extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice and acting as a foreign agent.
This story has been updated with additional information.
