Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is under intense pressure from within the ranks of his own party to resign from Congress after facing multiple bribery-related indictments.
The pressure clearly isn't enough to sway him from leaving his seat of power, as he announced his intentions to run for Congress yet again.
However, Menendez believes his path to winning reelection is as an independent -- or an "independent Democrat," as he announced in a recent bombshell video.
He also boldly stated that he believes he will be "exonerated" this coming summer, clearing any legal obstacles for his candidacy.
Just days before the filing deadline in New Jersey, Menendez, riddled with serious charges, insisted that he's "innocent" of the crimes he's been accused of committing with his wife and several business partners.
The New Jersey Democrat said the accusations "will not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents that have already made it the cornerstone of their campaign."
His opponents have already dialed up the heat against him because of the federal indictments, and it sounds as though Menendez is desperately attempting to bypass some of that heat.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez won’t run in Democratic primary via @staradvertiser https://t.co/BHEU0autsO
— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) March 22, 2024
"Therefore, I will not file for the Democratic primary this June. I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election," Menendez said in the video announcement.
The Hill noted:
He pleaded not guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent to Egypt and later pleaded not guilty after being hit with new charges over obstruction of justice. His wife has also been charged.
One businessman has already pleaded guilty to trying to bribe the senator and his wife for political upside.
Menendez pleaded with his constituents to withhold judging him until the legal process plays out.
"I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing," Menendez said. "Believe me, I am disappointed at the false accusations as well. All I can ask of you is to withhold judgment until justice takes place."
Some of his colleagues, such as Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), have repeatedly called for his resignation.
Only time will tell if he's able to even muster the support needed for another run. Many doubt it.
