Indicted Sen. Bob Menendez to seek reelection as ‘independent Democrat’ if exonerated

Embattled Sen. Bob Menendez announced Thursday that he will not file for reelection this November as a Democratic candidate.

Instead, the New Jersey Democrat hopes to be able to run as an “independent” Democrat — if he can avoid jail time.

The three-term senator said he will only seek another term if he’s exonerated later this year of the public corruption and bribery charges against him, which he said he expects to happen.

Mr. Menendez blamed the Democratic candidates running to replace him of making his legal woes “the cornerstone of their campaign” and tainting political discourse.

“You deserve to hear from those who wish to represent you about what they would do for you and your families in the future,” Mr. Menendez said in a video posted to YouTube.

“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,” he said.

Mr. Menendez restated that he is innocent of the litany of charges against him, which include taking bribes and acting as an unregistered foreign agent on behalf of Egypt. He also continued to rebuff calls from Democratic colleagues to resign.

Campaign donations have all but dried up for Mr. Menendez, and his poll numbers are in the single digits against his two top Democratic opponents — Rep. Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, wife of Gov. Phil Murphy.

“I know many of you are hurt and disappointed in me with the accusations I’m facing. Believe me, I am disappointed at the false accusations as well,” Mr. Menendez said. “All I can ask of you is to withhold judgment until justice takes place. Until then, I will continue to work my heart out each and every day as I have for the past 19 years to fight for New Jersey, for you, your family and a more prosperous, secure future.”