Sen. Bob Menendez's contemplation of another term in office is causing a stir among his fellow Democrats, especially given his recent indictment.
According to a report from the Washington Examiner, the majority of Senate Democrats are urging Menendez to step down. They fear that his reelection campaign might gift the Republicans a Senate seat in the crucial 2024 race.
While Menendez remains non-committal about his plans, many within his party are openly expressing their reservations. An unnamed senator was quoted saying that Menendez stands virtually no chance of securing the nomination, even going as far as labeling him "a dead man walking, politically."
Sen. Sherrod Brown, another Democrat, voiced his hope that Menendez would choose not to run. He stated, "I hope he doesn’t run, but if he does run, it’s his choice. And I think he will lose."
Interestingly, while a significant number of Senate Democrats want Menendez to resign, Sen. John Fetterman is the only one actively encouraging other candidates to oppose Menendez in the primaries.
Fetterman has even gone on record saying that he would support anyone challenging Menendez. He recently endorsed South Jersey’s Rep. Andy Kim, who is seen as a potential contender against Menendez in the Democratic primary.
When questioned about his plans for the 2024 election, Menendez responded rather tersely. He told Politico, "I don’t have to answer to you people ... I will tell the people of New Jersey when I’m ready."
If Menendez does decide to run, he might face stiff competition. Steve Daines, the Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, believes that the race could be highly competitive.
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a former Democrat who switched allegiances in 2019, is among the top names in the New Jersey Republican Party who might challenge Menendez for the Senate seat.
However, what looms large over Menendez's political future is his indictment. He and his wife, Nadine Menendez, are accused of accepting bribes and lavish gifts in return for assisting the Egyptian government.
Investigators discovered around $500,000 in cash and gold bars worth $100,000 in their New Jersey residence. Among the alleged gifts is a $60,000 Mercedes-Benz convertible, which was given to the Menendez family shortly after a tragic accident involving Nadine Menendez.
The accident saw Nadine Menendez's car involved in a fatal collision with a pedestrian. The luxury car was reportedly a gift to the family a few months after this incident.
Both the Menendez couple and the businessman implicated in the bribery allegations have pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for Menendez's political aspirations.
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