Sen. Bob Menendez to Resign After Conviction

Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey will resign from his position on August 20 following his conviction on multiple federal corruption charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent. A jury found him guilty on July 16 after a trial that revealed he accepted significant bribes, such as cash and gold bars, in exchange for political favors. The decision to resign comes amid calls from prominent Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who urged Menendez to step down for the good of his constituents and the Senate. Menendez, who faces a potential sentence of decades in prison and plans to appeal the verdict, maintained his innocence, asserting he has never violated his public oath. His wife, Nadine Menendez, is also implicated in the case but has not yet faced trial due to health issues. The senator's resignation will allow New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy to appoint an interim successor.