Sen. Bob Menendez won’t file for Dem main, may run as independent

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., on Thursday stated he wouldn’t be submitting for the Democratic main and signaled he was open to working as an independent, regardless of dealing with federal corruption fees.  

In a video deal with, Menendez stated the “present accusations” he now faces forestall him from meaningfully participating along with his political opponents who “have already made it the cornerstone of their marketing campaign.”

“New Jerseyans deserve better than that. You deserve to hear from those who wish to represent you about what they would do for you and your families in the future. Therefore, I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” Menendez stated. “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.”  

Running an independent marketing campaign, Menendez stated, would grant him time to “remind New Jerseyans of how I have succeeded in being your champion [and] how we will secure our financial futures.”

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FILE: Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., listens throughout a Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Washington.  (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

“I know many of you are here and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing. 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,” Menendez stated.  

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The video comes as the Democratic Senator is preventing federal bribery fees, alongside along with his spouse, Nadine, and three enterprise associates. 

A video deal with from Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. (YouTube/Menendez For NJ)

Menendez and his partner are charged with taking bribes of gold bars, money and a Mercedes-Benz in return for the senator’s assist with tasks pursued by three New Jersey businessmen. 

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In return, Menendez helped one of many males get a profitable meat-certification cope with Egypt, taking actions favorable to the Egyptian authorities, prosecutors stated. An extra indictment stated Menendez helped one other affiliate get a cope with a Qatari funding fund.

Menendez has denied any wrong-doing. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.