Andy Kim, the candidate with lower chances of winning, wins primary in NJ and will challenge Bob Menendez.

New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim emerged victorious in the state’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, defeating his rivals Lawrence Hamm and Patricia Campos Medina. His next challenge will be facing off against Senator Bob Menendez, who is seeking re-election as an Independent in November.

Senator Menendez, who has held office since 2006, is currently facing a bribery scandal involving his wife, Nadine. The charges against him include conspiracy, obstruction of justice, bribery, acting as a foreign agent, extortion, and honest services fraud.

Both Menendez and his wife have pleaded not guilty to the bribery and obstruction of justice allegations. They are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in various forms, such as cash, gold bars, and even a Mercedes-Benz, allegedly for the benefit of certain business individuals and the Egyptian government.

Rep. Kim’s path to the nomination was not without its challenges. In February, he defeated New Jersey’s first lady, Tammy Murphy, in the state’s Democratic convention, signaling a significant shift in momentum. This victory led Murphy to withdraw from the race.

Kim’s momentum was further bolstered by the support of Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania, who has backed the congressman in his bid for New Jersey’s Senate seat.

Fetterman has been vocal in his call for Menendez’s removal from Congress following the bribery charges against the senator, his wife, and associates. Menendez and the other defendants have maintained their innocence, with the senator vowing to fight the accusations.

One of Kim’s notable actions during his campaign was filing a lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s primary ballot design, which he claimed favored candidates supported by political party leaders. In March, U.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi granted Kim a preliminary injunction, ordering the use of office block ballots for the June primary.

Kim hailed the court victory as a result of the grassroots efforts of activists who recognized the unfairness in the system and worked tirelessly to address it. He emphasized the importance of continuing to work towards restoring trust with voters in New Jersey and across the nation.

Rep. Kim’s journey to secure the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat in New Jersey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, ultimately positioning him as a formidable contender in the upcoming election against Senator Menendez. As the campaign intensifies, the focus will shift to the critical issues facing the state and the vision each candidate presents for the future.