WASHINGTON (AP) — New Jersey has a modern U.S. senator following the resignation of Democrat Bob Menendez in August.
Senator George Helmy, a Democrat and former chief of staff to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, was sworn in on Monday and will hold the office for about two months until the November election. Democratic Representative 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 being convicted on charges that he abused his influence to interfere in three separate state and federal investigations. Prosecutors said he helped a friend who paid bribes secure a multimillion-dollar deal with a Qatari investment fund and another friend secure a contract to religiously certify meat for Egypt.
Murphy appointed Helmy as transition member after Menendez announced his retirement. Murphy said he selected Helmy because he understood the role, having served as an adviser to New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker and the slow New Jersey U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg.
Booker, now the state’s longest-serving senator, stood by Helmy’s side as he was sworn in by Washington Senator Patty Murray, the state’s longest-serving Democrat and interim Senate President.
Helmy, 44, served as Murphy’s chief of staff from 2019 to 2023 and then 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 his swearing-in, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed Helmy to the chamber and said he was making history as the first senator from the Coptic Orthodox Church. Dozens of Helmy’s friends and family watched the swearing-in from the gallery.
“We wish him every success and are ready to support him with all our strength in the coming weeks and months,” Schumer said.
When Murphy announced his appointment, Helmy said he has never sought elected office and never will, saying he will focus on serving the public during his miniature tenure in the Senate.
“New Jersey deserves its full voice and representation in the entire United States Senate,” he said.
Menendez was also found guilty of taking bribes to benefit the Egyptian government, including providing details about the personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo and ghostwriting a letter to fellow senators calling for the cancellation of military aid to Egypt. FBI agents also said they found several gold bars and $480,000 hidden in Menendez’s home.
Menendez denies all allegations against him and announced that he will appeal the convictions.
