New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to name his former chief of staff and longtime friend and political ally, George Helmy, as interim senator to replace Bob Menendez in the wake of him being convicted of fraud.
Murphy will hold a news conference in Newark on Friday to officially announce his selection for who will fill the remainder of the resigning Menendez’s term in the U.S. Senate.
Menendez wrote to Murphy last month saying he will resign from the Senate as of Aug. 20.
George Helmy is shown in this undated file photo.
RWJBarnabas Health
Murphy declined to confirm Helmy is his pick during an interview on local station WYNW on Thursday morning, instead promising an announcement “over the next couple of days.”
“That is the rumor. He’s a great guy, great professional. Great human being,” Murphy told the Fox station when pressed about if Helmy is the pick. “But nothing official, nothing to report.”
ABC News has reached out to Murphy’s office for comment on the reports that he will choose Helmy.
If Murphy names Helmy as the interim senator, that means bypassing Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., who is the Democratic nominee in New Jersey for the U.S. Senate and is likely to be elected in November for the full term. A representative for Kim deferred any comment until the official announcement.
Sen. Bob Menendez arrives at Manhattan Federal Court on July 10, 2024 in New York City.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, FILE
Friday is also the last day Menendez can remove his name from the November ballot. The 70-year-old is still officially on the ballot running for his seat as an independent candidate.
Menendez, who had served as senator in New Jersey since 2006, was convicted on all counts, including bribery, fraud, acting as a foreign agent and obstruction, in a federal trial last month.
He planned to appeal his conviction and said he was “deeply disappointed” by the jury’s decision. His sentencing was set for Oct. 29.
“I have never violated my oath,” he said outside the courthouse following his conviction. “I have never been anything but a patriot of my country and for my country. I have never, ever been a foreign agent.”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is expected to announce George Helmy as the replacement for Senator Bob Menendez, who recently announced his retirement. Helmy, currently serving as Murphy’s chief of staff, is seen as a strong candidate to fill the vacant Senate seat.
Helmy has a long history of public service, having previously worked as a senior advisor to U.S. Senator Cory Booker and as a senior advisor to former New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine. He is known for his expertise in policy development and his ability to work across party lines to get things done.
If appointed, Helmy would be the first Muslim American to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate, a historic milestone for the state. His appointment would also bring much-needed diversity to the Senate, where Muslim Americans are currently underrepresented.
Governor Murphy has praised Helmy for his dedication to public service and his commitment to improving the lives of all New Jersey residents. He believes that Helmy’s experience and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to represent the state in the Senate.
The appointment of George Helmy as the replacement for Senator Bob Menendez is expected to be met with widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans in New Jersey. Many believe that Helmy’s appointment will bring a fresh perspective to the Senate and help to bridge the partisan divide that has plagued Washington in recent years.
Overall, George Helmy’s expected appointment as the next Senator from New Jersey is seen as a positive development for the state. His experience, leadership skills, and commitment to public service make him a strong candidate to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate. Governor Murphy’s decision to appoint Helmy is expected to be announced in the coming days, and many are eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
