Embattled New Jersey Sen. Menendez says he won’t run in Democratic primary, doesn’t rule out independent bid

Indicted Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) announced Thursday he will not file to run for reelection in the Democratic primary but said he hopes to still seek another term as an independent later this year.

“I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” Menendez said in a video posted to social media. “I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in a general election.”

Menendez’s announcement complicates a race that already includes two prominent New Jersey Democrats, first lady Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim.

Menendez, who is fighting federal corruption charges, faced a Monday deadline to decide whether to run in his party’s primary. The filing deadline for independent candidates is not until June.

Menendez and his wife were charged last year with taking bribes from three business executives, including gold bars, in exchange for legislative favors. He has pleaded not guilty to the initial indictment, as well as to additional charges since then, including obstruction of justice.

Last week, a judge rejected Menendez’s claim of legislative immunity against some of the charges. A trial is scheduled to start May 6.

Menendez acknowledged in the video that many of his supporters are “hurt and disappointed” but asked them to “withhold judgment until justice takes place.”

The deadline for independent candidates to submit signatures for the November election is June 4, the same day as the primary. Menendez suggested running as an independent would “allow me the time to ... remind New Jerseyans of how I’ve succeeded in being your champion.”

Menendez, a former House member, has served in the Senate since 2006. Former New Jersey governor Jon Corzine (D) appointed Menendez to succeed Corzine in the Senate after he was elected governor in 2005.

Menendez chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee twice, including from 2021 until last year. He had to relinquish the post due to rules that require a chair to step down if they have been charged with a felony.

Menendez previously was indicted on federal bribery charges in 2015. A trial ended in a hung jury two years later.

Menendez was defiant after the latest case. He rebuffed calls to resign from Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and fellow Senate Democrats, saying he was “not going anywhere.”

At the same time, he declined to say whether he would seek reelection.