Bob Menendez confirmed rumors on Thursday afternoon that he’s weighing an independent run to keep his U.S. Senate seat.
“I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election,” the multi-time indicted Menendez explained in a video posted to social media. “This would allow me the time to not only remind New Jerseyans of how I’ve succeeded in being your champion, but how we will secure our financial futures, meet the challenges of raising a family, owning a home, provide for a college education, and secure a more peaceful world for all of us to live in.”
“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,” added Menendez after providing a litany of his alleged accomplishments in office.
Democrats Tammy Murphy and Andy Kim are presently locked in an intense battle for the party’s nomination after powerbrokers decided they wouldn’t support another Menendez reelection bid amid a second lifetime federal prosecution, this time centering on accusations that the Hudson politician accepted bribes in exchange for serving the interests of foreign governments.
Menendez has until 4pM on June 4th to file petitions for an independent run.
Watch below:
