Menendez's Political Future Banned: State Aims to Bar Convicted Senator from New Jersey Office
New Jersey Democrats Propose Preventing Convicted Senator Bob Menendez from Future Political Positions; Republicans Eye Menendez's State Pension as Target
Get the latest updates on this stunning development in 'The Story' from our national correspondent Bryan Llenas.
In light of Menendez's bribery, extortion, obstruction, and unregistered foreign agent charges, New Jersey officials are pushing for the courts to prevent scandal-ridden former Senator Robert Menendez, D-N.J., from ever seeking or holding public office in New Jersey again.
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, a Democrat, accused Menendez of abusing his Senate position for his personal and financial gain, stating, "[He] betrayed the people who elected him." Platkin's office of Public Integrity and Accountability filed a suit on May 5th in Mercer County state superior court to ensure the rule of law is applied equally, regardless of political affiliation.
Platkin aims to make Menendez "forever disqualified" from seeking or holding public office at the municipal level upwards, referencing former Paterson Democratic Mayor Joey Torres’ successful ban under a similar order. The state legislature's Republican minority is also advocating for Menendez to lose his state-funded pension stemming from his elected roles prior to his time in Congress.
Assemblymember Aura Dunn, R-Boonton, has proposed legislation (A4430) to prevent convicts like Menendez from receiving taxpayer-funded pensions. Dunn argues, "If the law doesn't keep up with common sense, I'll change it." Menendez’s supporters continue to assert his innocence, stating President Donald Trump's criticisms of the justice system during his own trial are valid.
The saga continues as Menendez's wife, Nadine, is due to be sentenced on June 12th for similar charges, including facilitating bribes with gold bars. Reportedly, Menendez hopes President Trump will help restore integrity to the system. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
[1] Goldman, S. (2025, May 5). Attorney General Matt Platkin files suit to permanently disqualify Bob Menendez from New Jersey public office. [Press release]. Retrieved from https://nj.gov/ag/newsreleases/2025/250505a.html
[2] Scheuer, P. (2025, May 5). New legal action could permanently bar Bob Menendez from New Jersey public office. the Record. Retrieved from https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2025/05/05/new-legal-action-could-permanently-bar-bob-menendez-from-new-jersey-public-office/7138328002/
[3] Associated Press. (2025, May 5). Menendez faces possible expulsion from New Jersey public office. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/live-2025/menendez-faces-possible-expulsion-from-new-jersey-public-office/2025/05/05/749b5fc6-f6f9-11ed-be7b-42cabc19a80b_story.html
[4] Bowen, K. (2025, May 5). Could former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez lose his New Jersey pension? nj.com. Retrieved from https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/05/could-former-new-jersey-senator-bob-menendez-lose-his-new-jersey-pension.html
[5] Hochmann, V. (2025, May 5). How New Jersey can bar ex-Senator Menendez from holding public office. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/05/us/politics/menendez-new-jersey-public-office.html
[6] Johnston, D. (2025, May 5). Federal corruption conviction leads to New Jersey request for Senator Menendez banishment. The Hill. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/4041934-federal-corruption-conviction-leads-to-new-jersey-request-for-senator/
- The New Jersey Attorney General, Matt Platkin, aims to have Robert Menendez, a former Democratic Senator of New Jersey, "forever disqualified" from seeking or holding public office at the municipal level upwards.
- The state legislature's Republican minority is advocating for Menendez to lose his state-funded pension stemming from his elected roles prior to his time in Congress.
- Assemblymember Aura Dunn, R-Boonton, has proposed legislation (A4430) to prevent convicts like Menendez from receiving taxpayer-funded pensions.
- In light of Menendez's bribery, extortion, obstruction, and unregistered foreign agent charges, New Jersey officials are pushing for the courts to prevent Menendez from ever seeking or holding public office in New Jersey again.
- Menendez's legal troubles extend beyond himself, as his wife, Nadine, is due to be sentenced on June 12th for similar charges, including facilitating bribes with gold bars.
