Gov. Phil Murphy announced this morning that he will appoint George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to the U.S. Senate after Senator Bob Menendez’s resignation takes effect next week.
Helmy’s term will be temporary. The soon-to-be-senator said he will step down from the Senate in late November when either Democratic Rep. Andy Kim or Republican Curtis Bashaw is certified the winner of this fall’s Senate election on Nov. 27; Murphy confirmed he would then appoint the winner of that contest.
The resignation of Menendez, who was convicted last month on federal bribery and conspiracy charges, takes effect Tuesday. Helmy will likely be sworn in when the Senate returns to session on Sept. 9.
“While I am honored to serve and provide New Jersey with a Senate office that they can depend on, I commit to stepping down early to give the duly elected senator the chance to begin their work,” the incoming senator said. “As I serve my state as senator for the next few months, I promise to work for the people of New Jersey and hope to restore their faith in public service.”
Murphy announced the appointment during a press conference in Newark; the New Jersey Globe first reported Murphy’s decision on Wednesday.
The governor said he seriously considered “many names” for the appointment, but ultimately landed on Helmy because he believes his experience in Senate offices will make the incoming senator a strong caretaker.
“Prior to his service in our Administration, he served as state director to Senator Cory Booker, and, before that, he served the late Senator Frank Lautenberg,” Murphy said during the announcement. “In other words, George understands, on a fundamental level, how a U.S. Senate office operates. And he will be ready to run this office from day one.”
Helmy, who will serve about 80 days, will hold the shortest tenure of senator in New Jersey’s history. Jeffrey Chiesa, whom former Gov. Chris Christie appointed after the 2013 death of Senator Frank Lautenberg, served 143 days.
Murphy committed to appointing the winner of this November’s election after the results are certified, even if Republican Curtis Bashaw pulls off an upset. The governor said he called Kim and Bashaw this morning to inform them of the plan.
“I’m prepared to put the winner into this seat the minute it is certified,” Murphy said.
Helmy appeared to be a front-runner for the appointment early in the selection process. Murphy did not consider Kim or any other members of the House delegation, and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who unsuccessfully ran for the Democratic nomination for Senate, pulled herself out of contention.
Other possibilities considered by Murphy included Lieutenant Gov. Tahesha Way, former Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas, Democratic State Committee Vice Chair Marguerite Schaffer, and Amy Kennedy, a mental health advocate and public school teacher.
Helmy, also a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, may have to step down from the Port Authority before he assumes his role in the Senate. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-Jersey City) resigned from the Port Authority board before joining Congress, as members of Congress are generally prohibited from serving on interstate agencies like the Port Authority.
Murphy said he’s “certain” that Helmy will step down from the Port Authority but didn’t say whether he would reappoint Helmy as a commissioner once he resigns from the Senate in November.
Much of today’s announcement centered on restoring public trust in New Jersey’s leaders.
“It is a tragic ending to a long and largely productive career in public service,” Murphy said of Menendez. “Senator Menendez accomplished many things on behalf of our state and our residents. Sadly, he will be remembered for putting his own interests ahead of the public interest.”
The 44-year-old Helmy is currently the executive vice president and chief external affairs and policy officer of RWJBarnabas Health. He will be the only Arab American senator when he assumes office.