A resolute Menendez says he isn’t going anywhere

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, facing federal corruption charges and widespread calls for his resignation, was defiant at an event in Union City today, saying that he has no intentions of stepping down.

“The allegations leveled against me are just that – allegations,” Menendez said. “I recognize that this will be the biggest fight yet, but as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I will still be New Jersey’s senior senator.”

Menendez did not take questions. The senator is up for re-election next year, and his belligerent stance implies that he intends on running for a fourth term, though his press conference did not explicitly address the 2024 race.

On Friday, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New Jersey unsealed charges against Menendez and his wife, alleging that they traded influence and secrets in exchange for bribes from three New Jersey businessmen. Much of the indictment focused on Menendez’s interactions with the Egyptian government, alleging that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman had corrupt ties to Egyptian officials – something Menendez resolutely denied today.

“I have always worked to hold accountable those countries, including Egypt, for human rights abuses, the repression of its citizenry and civil society, and more,” he said. “Those who now are attempting to malign my actions as it relates to Egypt simply don’t know the facts.”

The indictment also included photos of Menendez’s jackets filled with cash, and of gold bars that Menendez allegedly received in exchange for attempting to help associates dodge criminal charges. That, too, Menendez had a justification for today.

“For 30 years, I have withdrawn thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings account, which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba,” Menendez said. “This may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal savings account based on the income that I have lawfully derived over those 30 years.”

Regardless of Menendez’s declarations, however, his political situation remains dire. Gov. Phil Murphy, six members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation, and 13 county Democratic chairs have called for his resignation, and if Menendez does run for re-election, he’d do so with virtually no party support.

Even at today’s event, almost nobody of political note was present to defend Menendez. Seemingly the most prominent person in attendance today was former Union City Housing Authority Director Virgil Cabello, a longtime Menendez supporter.

New Jersey Democrats will undoubtedly be looking for other options to run for Senate, and they’ve already got one: Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), who announced his campaign over the weekend. Other big names, including Reps. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair), Donald Norcross (D-Camden), and Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) and First Lady Tammy Murphy, are also considered possible candidates.

But Menendez – who faced down federal charges once before, and ultimately escaped unscathed after the charges were dropped in 2018 – urged patience before people begin rushing to jump into his seat.

“The court of public opinion is no substitute for our revered justice system,” Menendez said today. “Instead of waiting for all the facts to be presented, others have rushed to judgment because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them. All I humbly ask for in this moment … is to pause, and allow for all the facts to be presented.”