Tracking every Democrat who has called for Bob Menendez’s resignation

U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was indicted on Friday morning on federal corruption charges, and a growing number of Democrats are calling for his resignation. This list will be continually updated.

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

“The allegations in the indictment against Senator Menendez and four other defendants are deeply disturbing. These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez and the other defendants have not been found guilty and will have the ability to present evidence disputing these charges, and we must respect the process. However, the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state.  Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation.”

STATE SENATE PRESIDENT NICK SCUTARI

“Today is a sad day for our state. The allegations laid out in today’s indictment are alarming, and they raise serious questions about the Senator’s ability to continue to serve. I strongly believe that all Americans deserve the presumption of innocence and the ability to fully defend themselves. Due to the severity of the charges brought against him today, I believe Senator Menendez must resign from office to pursue his defense and allow our state and our nation to move forward.”

STATE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“The charges laid out against Senator Menendez today go against everything we should believe as public servants. We are given the public’s trust, and once that trust is broken, we cannot continue. Though I know that this indictment is an accusation, not a conviction, and the Senator has the right to defend himself from these charges, I believe Senator Menendez must immediately step down and allow New Jersey, and America, to move forward.”

STATE DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN LEROY JONES

“The allegations contained in the indictment that was unsealed today, if they are proven to be true, are incredibly serious and raise many disturbing questions. Senator Menendez should be afforded the same presumption of innocence that the U.S. Constitution guarantees to all Americans. But in the interest of ensuring that New Jerseyans continue to be granted the federal representation that they deserve, and to make sure that our party is able to keep its focus on the critical upcoming state legislative elections in November, I believe that the best course of action is for Senator Menendez to resign so that he can focus his full attention on his legal defense.”

MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN KEVIN MCCABE

“Like anyone else, Senator Menendez is innocent until proven guilty, and he deserves his day in court. But the charges laid out in today’s indictment are seriously alarming. The allegations, if proven true, raise gravely serious concerns. In the best interests of our party, I believe Senator Menendez must resign and allow our party to move forward.”

BERGEN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN PAUL JULIANO

“While Senator Menendez is presumed innocent under law, the fact of the matter is that these serious charges make it difficult for the Senator to do his job and serve the citizens of New Jersey effectively going forward. For that reason, I urge the Senator to do what’s best for the people of our state, and step down.”

MORRIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRWOMAN AMALIA DUARTE

“Elected officials should be held to the highest standards. Today’s shocking indictment raises serious concerns about the ability of Sen. Menendez to serve the people of New Jersey. I believe it is in the best interests of our state for him to resign.”

MONMOUTH COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN DAVID BROWN

“While Senator Menendez is innocent until proven guilty and the investigation must be allowed to run its course, it is clear that allowing him to continue representing New Jersey in the United States Senate will only distract from serving residents in our state. Therefore, I echo the sentiments of fellow County Chairs and call on Senator Menendez to resign immediately, as that is what is best for our state.”

PASSAIC COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN JOHN CURRIE

“As a long-time state chairman and the Democratic leader in Passaic County, I’m deeply concerned by the allegations against Senator Menendez. While everyone deserves their day in court, for the sake of unity and public trust, I urge Senator Menendez to step aside as he focuses on defending himself.”

ATLANTIC COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR MIKE SULEIMAN

“The indictment against Senator Menendez is incredibly alarming and disappointing. As I’ve always said, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but the senator can no longer effectively represent us in Washington. I agree with leaders from both parties that he should resign.”

SOMERSET COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR PEG SCHAFFER

“Senator Menendez has been an excellent champion for the people of New Jersey at every level of government, from school board to Congress. His work on gun safety legislation, global climate change and environmental protection, and in particular foreign affairs has been unparalleled, and I am glad to call him a friend and colleague.

These charges are exactly that … charges in a court of law. One of the most important aspects of our legal system is that every defendant is considered innocent unless the courts determine otherwise. Senator Menendez deserves this opportunity. But there is more to consider beyond Senator Menendez’s indictment. We have seen the incredible damage to our country with Dobbs and Citizens United and 303 Creative v. Elenis solely because the Republican Party controlled the United States Senate and could block or approve justices.

The 2024 Senate map is too difficult without adding a competitive race in New Jersey. All Democrats face difficult races next year, and doing so with a court case and preparation will make it even more difficult. We cannot risk losing this Senate seat, and for the good of the Country he loves and has served so well, I ask my friend Bob Menendez to step aside and allow someone else to carry the Democratic flag in 2024.”

HUNTERDON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR ARLENE QUINONES PEREZ

“Yesterday was a difficult day. For over three decades, U.S. Senator Menendez has been a champion for the working class and the Latino community in New Jersey. His commitment to dealing with difficult issues has always been at the forefront, and his work on foreign affairs, climate change, and gun safety legislation can never be diminished. Senator Menendez has always demonstrated his commitment to leading.

This indictment is upsetting for those invested in the betterment of the Latino community, and certainly for residents in Hunterdon County, the State of New Jersey and our nation.

While these serious charges work through the legal system, a legal system that rightly allows a defendant to have their day in court, we need to continue to look towards our competitive races now, and for 2024. We are at a critical point in our Country where the focus must be on maintaining democrats in office to combat the deliberate destruction of what we hold dear, our democracy. Nothing is more important then the current fight we are in for the soul of our nation.

For that reason, we must keep our focus on our current races, and Senator Menendez should step aside and allow another candidate to carry our policies forward in 2024.”

OCEAN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN WYATT EARP

“Although he is innocent until proven guilty and deserves his day in court, the charges against Senator Menendez are serious, and raise concerns about his ability to effectively represent New Jersey in the United States Senate. Therefore, I add my voice to those who ask for his resignation to make room for a Senator who will continue to stand up for Democratic values. It is with a heavy heart that I come to the decision that Senator Menendez must resign, because he has been an effective advocate for decades on core Democratic issues like healthcare, pension security, and fair wages and benefits for the middle class.”

WARREN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN TOM PALMIERI

“The regrettable and unexpected indictment of Senator Menendez has been a cause for reflection throughout the Democratic Party and the citizenry of the State of New Jersey.

Historically, Senator Menendez has been a steadfast advocate for our state. He has demonstrated a commitment to helping people and advancing our nation. He has defended a woman’s right to choose, championed environmental protection, and tirelessly worked on gun safety legislation to curb senseless violence in our country. In the realm of foreign affairs, he has stood against the aggressions of Russia and China, while also striving to expand U.S. economic opportunities worldwide.

Yet, this indictment creates an undeniable cloud over Senator Menendez’s ability to perform his duties. Although our justice system upholds the principle of “innocent until proven guilty,” the charges against him are likely to detract from his ability to represent his constituents fully. Moreover, the charges risk overshadowing the efforts and integrity of his Democratic colleagues while negatively affecting the faith of the citizens of New Jersey in our government.”

In the best interest of the people of New Jersey, I firmly believe Senator Menendez should resign from the Senate. This would allow him to concentrate on addressing the legal matters before him and ensure that the critical work of our government proceeds without unnecessary distractions.

CONGRESSMAN ANDY KIM

“These allegations are serious and alarming. It doesn’t matter what your job title is or your politics – no one in America is above the law. The people of New Jersey absolutely need to know the truth of what happened, and I hope the judicial system works thoroughly and quickly to bring this truth to light. In the meantime, I don’t have confidence that the Senator has the ability to properly focus on our state and its people while addressing such a significant legal matter. He should step down.” (Made statement before Gov. Murphy and other state leaders called on Menendez to resign.)

CONGRESSWOMAN MIKIE SHERRILL

“These are serious allegations against Senator Menendez and if proven true, there is no room for this kind of conduct in public service. Today is a sad day for New Jersey and I believe it’s in the best interest of our state that Senator Menendez resign.”

CONGRESSMAN BILL PASCRELL

“This is a sad day for our great state. The hallmark of our justice system is the presumption of innocence and the senator deserves his day in court. But given the gravity of these charges, I do not believe that Senator Menendez can continue to carry out the important duties of his office for our state.”

CONGRESSMAN FRANK PALLONE

“Senator Menendez is entitled to his day in court but it’s very difficult to see how he can continue his service in the midst of these charges. He should resign in the best interest of our state.”

CONGRESSMAN DONALD NORCROSS

“The allegations unveiled against Senator Menendez are deeply unsettling. A founding principle of our justice system is that a person is innocent until proven guilty, and they will have their day in court.  We are at a critical time in our country’s history, and we face significant challenges and specific threats.

“Although the Senator has many accomplishments over his decades in public service, we cannot be distracted. For that reason, Senator Menendez should step aside in order to deal with these allegations and so that another can focus fully on the requirements of serving the people of New Jersey in the United States Senate.”

CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOTTHEIMER

“Senator Menendez has been a critical voice and a tough fighter for Jersey, with a strong record that includes gun safety, protecting our environment and a woman’s right to choose, and fighting racism and antisemitism. I believe the Senator deserves his day in court, with a presumption of innocence. That said, given the gravity of the allegations, I believe it will be difficult for the Senator to carry out his responsibilities. For the good of the state, he should step aside as he focuses on his defense.”

STATE SENATOR VIN GOPAL & ASSEMBLY RUNNING MATES LUANNE PETERPAUL & MARGIE DONLON

“Like anyone else charged with a crime, Senator Menendez is innocent until proven guilty and is entitled to his day in court. However, the charges brought against him in today’s indictment give us serious concern about his ability to represent the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. In the interest of the state, we call on Senator Menendez to resign and allow our state to move forward.”

STATE SENATOR ANDREW ZWICKER, ASSEMBLYMAN ROY FREIMAN, & ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE MITCHELLE DRULIS

“The allegations revealed in today’s indictment are severe, and they cannot be taken lightly. Senator Menendez should receive the presumption of innocence during his legal defense. But we are calling on the Senator to resign so that New Jerseyans may continue to have confidence in their federal representation. We will continue to focus on the election immediately ahead of us, and deliver for families in the 16th District.”

STATE SENATOR LINDA GREENSTEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN WAYNE DEANGELO, & ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE TENNILLE MCCOY

“I’m deeply and seriously concerned by the allegations made against Senator Menendez in today’s indictment. The people of New Jersey deserve to have a federal representative who is fully focused on representing us all in Washington. I believe it is in our State’s best interest for Senator Menendez to resign, and allow the legal process to play out.”

STATE SENATOR JOSEPH LAGANA, ASSEMBLYWOMAN LISA SWAIN, AND ASSEMBLYMAN CHRISTOPHER TULLY

“The charges laid out in today’s indictment against Senator Menendez are alarming. We strongly believe in every American’s right to a fair trial and presumption of innocence, but these allegations leave us with serious concerns over his ability to continue to provide New Jerseyans with the federal representation they deserve. We are calling for the Senator to step down immediately to allow our state and nation to move forward.”

STATE SENATOR TROY SINGLETON

“Senator Bob Menendez has been a fierce advocate for New Jersey in Congress for decades. However, the reports released today are truly troubling and the people of New Jersey need a representative in the Senate that will not be distracted and preoccupied by these concerning legal matters. For the public’s interest, and to help restore public trust, Senator Menendez should resign immediately.”

ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER LOUIS GREENWALD

“The recently released indictment of Senator Menendez brings forth allegations that are both serious and unsettling, and if true represents a reprehensible breach of the public trust. Every American, regardless of their position, is subject to the rule of law and is presumed innocent until proven otherwise. New Jersey residents, however, expect and deserve the best representation here and in Washington. Given the magnitude of these charges and the necessity that in order to fight each and every day for our New Jersey families and residents our elected officials must serve without such significant distractions, in the best interest of New Jersey and its people, I suggest Senator Menendez step down and focus on addressing these serious allegations set before him.”

ASSEMBLY MAJORITY WHIP CAROL MURPHY

“Having read the indictment and considered the severity of the allegations against United States Senator Robert Menendez it is alarming. In particular, I’m deeply troubled by the alleged national security implications and breach of the public trust. Serving as an elected official is a privilege with great responsibility and it is my opinion that Senator Menendez should step aside to address his legal challenges ahead. The people of our state deserve and need a United States Senator that can fully focus without these severe distractions on the critical work of our nation.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN BRITNEE TIMBERLAKE 

“The allegations presented against Federal Senator Robert Menendez, Sr. today strike at the core of our responsibilities as public servants. We are entrusted with the faith and confidence of the public, and when that trust is compromised, our ability to serve effectively is compromised as well. While I acknowledge that this indictment is an accusation and not a confirmation of guilt, and that Senator Menendez has the right to defend himself against these charges, the allegations outlined in the recently unsealed indictment are of an exceptionally grave nature, and if substantiated, they raise a multitude of deeply concerning questions. Furthermore, this is the second time the Senator is facing federal charges in less than 10 years. I firmly believe it is in the best interest of New Jersey and our nation as a whole for him to step down without delay, allowing us to move forward with ethical transparency and leadership.“

JERSEY CITY MAYOR STEVE FULOP

“I’m not going to waste my tweet with just another generic call for a resignation that he will never see (but I’m sure you know how I feel) – I didn’t say anything this AM as I was/am sure this would play out as it should. It’s been well known that there has never been a close relationship between Senator Menendez and I – but I genuinely feel bad for the embarrassment he has caused all of New Jersey who trusted him with a vote. We work hard to change a bad narrative + the detail of his indictment tarnishes all of us in our state.”

FORMER CONGRESSMAN TOM MALINOWSKI

“As a legal matter, Senator Menendez deserves the presumption of innocence. But as a moral matter, how can we ask Americans to vote against an indicted Trump, but for an indicted Democratic Senator, especially with evidence this damning? I believe Senator Menendez should resign.

When I was in Congress, I got several tough-on-Egypt provisions into House-passed defense bills, which were then stripped in the Senate. I still don’t know why. But the idea that the chairman of the SFRC may then have been in a corrupt relationship with Egypt is horrifying.” (Made statement before Gov. Murphy and other state leaders called on Menendez to resign.)

NJ-7 CANDIDATE SUE ALTMAN

“I’ve fought corruption my whole career in NJ – the indictment is pretty damning.  I have faith in the DOJ to do its job but in the meantime: Menendez should resign. Democrats must stand for democracy & clean government. Full stop.” (Made statement before Gov. Murphy and other state leaders called on Menendez to resign.)

FORMER U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER

“As both a leader in the Democratic Party & the former Attorney General and given the nature of the charges, I call upon Senator Menendez to resign. The nation will be better served if he steps aside and allows a transition to occur that will best serve the people of New Jersey.” (Made statement before Gov. Murphy and other state leaders called on Menendez to resign.)

FORMER STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LORETTA WEINBERG

“After reading the indictment, I agree with [Andy Kim].” (Made statement before Gov. Murphy and other state leaders called on Menendez to resign.)

CLINTON MAYOR JANICE KOVACH

“Our residents deserve a leader of the highest moral character and unwavering dedication to the principles of public service. Unfortunately, recent developments have cast a shadow on Senator Menendez’s ability to fulfill these expectations.

While I respect the presumption of innocence, the numerous allegations and investigations surrounding Senator Menendez have become a distraction from the critical work our government should be doing on behalf of New Jersey and the American people. Public trust is paramount in our democracy, and these allegations erode that trust.

In order to maintain the integrity of our democratic institutions and to allow our state to focus on pressing issues, I believe it is in the best interest of New Jersey and the United States for Senator Menendez to step down from his position as Senator. This will allow for a thorough and impartial investigation, free from the distractions of political office.

Our residents deserve elected officials who are above reproach and who can effectively represent their interests. It is my hope that Senator Menendez will prioritize the greater good and heed this call for the sake of our constituents and our democracy.”