Longtime New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez made headlines late last week when he was indicted on federal bribery charges.
Despite this, Menendez quickly made clear he has no intention of stepping down. In response, one Democrat is hoping to replace him in a primary challenge.
According to the Washington Examiner, New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim released a statement this weekend announcing his candidacy.
"After calls to resign, Senator Menendez said 'I am not going anywhere,'" Kim wrote in a tweet on Saturday. "As a result, I feel compelled to run against him."
After calls to resign, Senator Menendez said “I am not going anywhere.” As a result, I feel compelled to run against him. Not something I expected to do, but NJ deserves better. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity. Please join me:https://t.co/QFIaMsgJc9
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) September 23, 2023
"Not something I expected to do, but NJ deserves better. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity," he added.
That declaration came a day after Kim put out an earlier statement in which he said the allegations again Menendez are "serious and alarming," adding,
"It doesn’t matter what your job title is or your politics — no one in America is above the law," the congressman insisted.
https://t.co/M5ylYPNIBZ pic.twitter.com/FoPE89CUXv
— Rep. Andy Kim’s Office (@RepAndyKimNJ) September 22, 2023
"The people of New Jersey absolutely need to know the truth of what happened, and I hope the judicial system works thoroughly and quickly to bring this truth to light," Kim said.
Fox News reported that Menendez stands accused of colluding with his wife, Nadine Menendez, as well as New Jersey real estate developer Fred Daibes, businessman Jose Uribe, and Wael Hana, who runs a halal meat certification business.
The indictment contends that the clique was involved in a scheme to benefit the government of Egypt in exchange for cash, gold bars, home mortgage payments, compensation for no-show jobs, a luxury vehicle and "other things of value."
"Menendez also improperly advised and pressured an official at the United States Department of Agriculture for the purpose of protecting a business monopoly granted to Hana by Egypt and used in part to fund the bribes being paid to Menendez through Nadine Menendez," the indictment was quoted as saying.
Fox News noted that for his part, Sen. Menendez had denied wrongdoing and dismissed the allegations as being part of "an active smear campaign."
