Will Bob Menendez be able to run for re-election even though he was convicted of corruption?
Embattled Democratic New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez has been found guilty of all charges in his lengthy corruption trial, including extortion, bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, wire fraud, and acting as a foreign agent. The jury deliberated for three days following a nine-week trial.
Following the news of his guilty verdict, Menendez’s Democratic colleagues wasted no time in calling for his resignation, with some even threatening to expel him from Congress. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., issued a statement promptly asking Menendez to step down in light of the verdict.
Menendez, however, has expressed his intent to appeal the conviction, stating, “I am deeply disappointed in the decision.”
Various other Democratic colleagues and fellow officials from New Jersey have echoed Schumer’s call for Menendez’s resignation, with some mentioning the potential of expulsion as the next step to remove him from his Senate seat.
Unless Menendez voluntarily resigns, there is little standing in the way of him remaining in Congress. He can also continue his campaign for re-election as an independent, a path he has already pursued.
Furthermore, there is no legal hindrance to Menendez serving as a senator while incarcerated, unless he were to face defeat in an election.
The requirements to serve in Congress are clearly outlined in the Constitution, specifying that a candidate must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and reside in the state they seek to represent at the time of the election.
Despite being eligible to continue his re-election bid, Menendez’s chances of winning are slim, especially running as an independent. He faces strong competition from the popular Democratic nominee for Senate, Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., and the Republican nominee Curtis Bashaw.
There is also a possibility of Menendez facing expulsion from the Senate before the November election if there is enough unity within the body to initiate and expedite the process.
