Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called for the resignation of Democratic Senator Menendez (D-NJ) following his conviction on federal corruption charges. The verdict was delivered by the jury after a lengthy nine-week trial in Manhattan, as reported by Slay News. After three days of deliberation, Menendez was found guilty on all 18 federal charges. Sen. Schumer has emphasized the importance of doing the right thing and stepping down from his position.
In a statement shortly after the verdict, Schumer said:
“In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.”
The Democratic Senate leader had refrained from urging Menendez to step down. The leadership declined to comment, despite recognizing the gravity of the accusations.
This was in spite of the Senate’s appeals, including from Democratic Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), for Menendez to either step down or be ousted. However, with the senator from New Jersey being convicted by a jury of his peers, Schumer now seems willing to make the request.
Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), who is vying for Menendez’s Senate seat in November with the Democratic Party’s endorsement, has also added his voice to the calls for the convicted senator to resign.
This is a sad and somber day for New Jersey and our country. Our public servants should work for the people, and today we saw the people judge Senator Menendez as guilty and unfit to serve. I called on Senator Menendez to step down when these charges were first made public, and… https://t.co/D3Sh2QiEaT
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) July 16, 2024
