Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has had quite a bad start to 2024 as he faces several bribery-related indictments and growing pressure from within his own party to call it quits. 

According to Fox News, despite the mountain of negative press, his son Rep. Rob Menendez, a Democrat out of New Jersey, managed to survive a primary challenge this week against Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla.

Bhalla and his campaign worked overtime to tie the younger Menendez to his father's soiled reputation, calling the two men a "political machine" in charge of New Jersey politics.

Obviously, New Jersey voters weren't buying what Bhalla and his campaign were selling, and decided Rob Menendez is the candidate for the job.

What's going on?

On Monday, before the primary vote, Bhalla held nothing back as he attacked the Menendez men in a post on his X account, attempting to separate himself from being beholden to anyone as a candidate and potential lawmaker.

"It’s time to move on from the party bosses and Menendez machine that have dominated NJ politics. In Congress, I won’t be beholden to anyone except for the voters," Bhalla wrote.

The outlet reported that Rob Menendez's primary victory "all but guarantees" he'll win the seat in November, given the deep blue political makeup of the area.

From the bottom of my heart, to the voters of the 8th District: thank you.

We always said we would do this together and we did.

Tonight was a great success, but the work continues on tomorrow. And we will continue to fight for and deliver for all the residents of our… pic.twitter.com/Z8GuN1S2wF

— Rob Menendez (@RobMenendez4NJ) June 5, 2024

As far as Rob Menendez's connection with his father, there's no evidence that he was involved in any of his father's alleged bribery-related crimes.

Fox News noted:

There's no evidence that the younger Menendez is tied to his father's alleged crimes – however, the indictments reignited frustration among New Jersey progressives about the political dominance the Menendez family has exerted over the state for decades.

Before joining Congress in January 2023, Rob Menendez was a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a position he was appointed to by New Jersey's progressive Gov. Phil Murphy.

Social media reacts

Rob Menendez received mixed reactions across social media for winning his New Jersey primary. His supporters cheered him on while his critics echoed similar sentiments from Bhalla.

"I am so happy for you!! Congratulations Keep serving your Constituents as you are taking care of! You have a great team !!!! We love you!!" one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "How long until you're in jail with your Dad?"

Sen. Menendez, while on trial for multiple bribery charges, filed earlier this week to run as an independent candidate, according to Politico.