George Helmy has been appointed as a caretaker until January 2025.
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who is resigning later this month, will be succeeded by a longtime aide to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
Murphy, a Democrat, has chosen his former chief of staff George Helmy as Menendez’s interim replacement. Helmy, who served under Murphy for five years, holds the record for being the longest-serving gubernatorial chief of staff in the state’s history.
Currently an executive at RWJ Barnabas Health, the largest health care system in New Jersey, Helmy previously worked as an aide to Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) before joining the Murphy administration.
“George has a deep understanding of how a U.S. Senate office operates and is well-equipped to lead this office effectively from day one. His hands-on experience in providing top-notch constituent service will benefit the families of our state,” Murphy added.
Helmy’s caretaker role is temporary, expected to begin when the Senate reconvenes in September. A newly elected senator will take over when Helmy’s term ends on Jan. 3, 2025.
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The race for Menendez’s seat initially saw Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) facing a Democratic primary challenge from the governor’s wife, Tammy Murphy. However, Tammy Murphy withdrew from the race in March amidst allegations of nepotism.
Kim will compete against Curtis Bashaw, a hotel developer and political novice who secured the New Jersey Republican nomination over Christine Serrano Glassner, the wife of former Trump advisor Michael Glassner. Bashaw may face a tough battle in November, as no Republican has represented New Jersey in the Senate since 1972.
Menendez, an independent candidate, has not disclosed his future political intentions.
Despite the verdict, Menendez has vowed to appeal his conviction.
“While I plan to appeal the jury’s decision, including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be embroiled in a lengthy process that would distract from its critical work,” Menendez stated in his resignation letter. “Additionally, I cannot retain my rights upon a successful appeal due to factual matters before the ethics committee not being privileged.”
His resignation from the Senate will take effect on Aug. 20.
