New Jersey: Asian American congressman challenging embattled Sen. Bob Menendez

US Sen. Bob Menendez, left, is being challenged by US Rep. Andy Kim.

Representative Andy Kim, one of New Jersey's most popular political leaders, announced that he will run against US Senator Bob Menendez, who is under indictment for numerous bribery charges.

US Rep. Andy Kim launched his 2024 campaign against Menendez after the Cuban American senator ignored calls for his resignation.

“This is not something I expected to do, but I believe New Jersey deserves better,” Kim said in a statement. “We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our country’s integrity. I believe it’s time we restore faith in our democracy, and that’s why I am stepping up and running for Senate.”

After the latest indictment charges, Menendez said Friday, “I am not going anywhere.” ignoring calls from Democratic Party leaders and fellow senators to step down.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., also announced that Menendez would have to step down as chairman per Senate Democratic caucus rules, since he has been charged with a felony. His announcement fell short of asking Menendez to resign.

US Attorney Damian Williams said: “As the grand jury charged, between 2018 and 2022, Senator Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes – three New Jersey businessmen who collectively paid hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes, including cash, gold, a Mercedes Benz, and other things of value – in exchange for Senator Menendez agreeing to use his power and influence to protect and enrich those businessmen and to benefit the Government of Egypt."

Authorities who searched Menendez’s home last year found more than $100,000 worth of gold bars, as well as over $480,000 in cash — much of it hidden in closets, clothing and a safe, prosecutors say. The indictment includes photos of cash stuffed in envelopes in jackets bearing Menendez’s name and of a luxury car that prosecutors say was given to the couple as a bribe from the businessmen.

The Department of Justice which issued the indictments, reminded media that the chargesare merely accusations, and "the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty."

If Kim is successful in winning the New Jersey Senate seat, he would be only the third Asian American US senator, joining Illinois' Sen. Tammy Duckworth and Hawaii's Sen. Mazie Hirono.

"I feel compelled to run against him. Not something I expected to do, but NJ deserves better. We cannot jeopardize the Senate or compromise our integrity," Kim said in a social media posting.

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