Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) Steps Down as Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Amid Federal Corruption Charges

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) announced on Friday that he will temporarily step down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee while he faces federal corruption charges. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement in support of Menendez, saying that he has a right to due process and a fair trial.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) also called for Menendez to resign, saying that the allegations “compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state.” Kim Guadagno, the Republican candidate for governor, echoed this sentiment in a statement, saying that “no one in America is above the law.”

Schumer added that Menendez has “rightly decided to step down temporarily from his position as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee until the matter has been resolved.” The Democratic Conference rules state that any member of the conference who is indicted must step down from their leadership position.

Despite the charges, many have expressed their support for Menendez. “Bob Menendez has been a dedicated public servant and is always fighting hard for the people of New Jersey,” said Schumer. It remains to be seen how the case will unfold, but Menendez has vowed to fight the charges and clear his name.