Amid Accusations, Bob Menendez Won’t Seek Reelection as Democrat, May Run as Independent

The charges Mr Menendez faces are related to allegations that he and his wife received bribes from three New Jersey businessmen.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) speaks to members of the media outside the Manhattan Federal Court, in New York City following his arraignment on March 11, 2024. Adam Gray/AFP via Getty Images

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said on Thursday that he would not seek reelection in the Democratic primary for his U.S. Senate seat amid ongoing accusations. However, he hinted at the possibility of an independent candidacy.

“Unfortunately, the present accusations I am facing, of which I am innocent, and will prove so, will not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents that have already made it the cornerstone of their campaign,” Mr. Menendez said in a video posted on YouTube.