George Helmy to Be Appointed U.S. Senator

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is set to appoint George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to fill the Senate seat of the disgraced Bob Menendez, who is resigning following his conviction on federal corruption charges. Helmy, who has a background as a longtime Senate aide and currently works in healthcare, will serve in a caretaker role until the election winner in November 2025 assumes office. Menendez's resignation marks the end of his 50-year political career, prompting a competitive race between Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw for the full term. An official announcement regarding Helmy's appointment is anticipated soon, although no formal offer has been made yet. Helmy has been recognized for his capability in stabilizing the Murphy administration's relationship with the state legislature during his tenure. This appointment comes at a critical time as the Democratic Party navigates power dynamics amid the upcoming presidential contest.