Current:Home > ContactNew Jersey Democrat George Helmy sworn in as replacement for Menendez in the Senate -EquityExchange
New Jersey Democrat George Helmy sworn in as replacement for Menendez in the Senate
View
Date:2025-04-12 04:38:13
WASHINGTON (AP) — New Jersey has a new U.S. senator after the August resignation of Democrat Bob Menendez.
Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat and former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, was sworn in on Monday and will serve in office for about two months until the November election. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw are vying for the seat in November and the winner will immediately replace Helmy.
Menendez resigned in August after he was convicted on charges that he used his influence to meddle in three different state and federal criminal investigations. Prosecutors said he helped one bribe-paying friend get a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to provide religious certification for meat bound for Egypt.
Murphy appointed Helmy to the temporary role after Menendez announced his intention to resign. Murphy said he picked Helmy because he understands the role after serving as an aide to New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and the late New Jersey U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Booker, now the state’s senior senator, stood with Helmy as he was given the oath of office by Washington Sen. Patty Murray, who is the senior-most Democrat and serves as Senate president pro tempore.
Helmy, 44, served as Murphy’s chief of staff from 2019 until 2023 and then served as an executive at one of the state’s largest health care providers, RWJBarnabas Health. He previously served as Booker’s state director in the Senate. He is the son of Egyptian parents who immigrated to New Jersey
After he was sworn in, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed Helmy to the chamber and said that he was making history as the first member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to become a senator. Dozens of Helmy’s friends and family watched from the gallery above.
“We wish him nothing but success and are ready to assist him however necessary in the weeks and months to come,” Schumer said.
When Murphy announced his appointment, Helmy said he had never sought and would never seek elected office. He said he would focus on serving the public during his short stint in the Senate.
“New Jersey deserves its full voice and representation in the whole of the United States Senate,” he said.
Menendez was also convicted of taking actions that benefited Egypt’s government in exchange for bribes, including providing details on personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators regarding lifting a hold on military aid to Egypt. FBI agents also said they found stacks of gold bars and $480,000 hidden in Menendez’s house.
Menendez has denied all of the allegations against him and has said he’s planning to appeal the convictions.
veryGood! (3796)
Related
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- 11-year-old fatally stabbed while trying to protect pregnant mother from attacker, officials say
- When does 'Euphoria' Season 3 come out? Sydney Sweeney says filming begins soon
- Is the Great Resignation over? Not quite. Turnover stays high in these industries.
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- The longest-serving member of the Alabama House resigns after pleading guilty to federal charges
- Missing NC mother, 2 young children found murdered in Charlotte, suspect arrested: Police
- Brenda Song says fiancé Macaulay Culkin helps her feel 'so confident'
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Arizona governor vetoes bill that some lawmakers hoped would help fix housing crisis
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Man seeks clemency to avoid what could be Georgia’s first execution in more than 4 years
- Celine Dion shares health update in rare photo with sons
- Ohio Supreme Court primary with 2 Democrats kicks off long campaign over court’s partisan control
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- Is the Great Resignation over? Not quite. Turnover stays high in these industries.
- Arsonist sets fire to Florida Jewish center, but police do not believe it was a hate crime
- Dartmouth refuses to work with basketball players’ union, potentially sending case to federal court
Recommendation
The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
Healthy condiments? Yes, there is such a thing. Eight dietitian-recommended sauces.
Who stole Judy Garland's red ruby slippers in 2005? The 'Wizard of Oz' theft case explained
Healthy condiments? Yes, there is such a thing. Eight dietitian-recommended sauces.
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Apple may hire Google to build Gemini AI engine into next-generation iPhone
Interest rate cuts loom. Here's my favorite investment if the Fed follows through.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes Share Glimpse at Courtside Date Night at NBA Game