New Jersey Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat, was sworn in on Monday to fill the seat vacated by former Sen. Bob Menendez, who resigned last month following his conviction on corruption charges.
Helmy, former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, will hold the office until the winner of the November election—either the Democratic Party’s Rep. Andy Kim or the GOP’s Curtis Bashaw—is certified.
Sen. Cory Booker, the state’s senior senator, escorted Helmy into the Senate Chamber on Monday and stood with him while he took the oath of office.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be sworn in as New Jersey’s junior senator,” Helmy stated on the social media platform X. “I commit to serving NJ with determination and to ensure our work benefits the people we serve.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) welcomed Helmy to the Senate and said that he was the first member of Coptic Orthodox Church ever hold this position.
“I thank George for answering call of service,” Schumer said in a statement. “We wish him nothing but success and are ready to assist him however necessary in weeks and months come.”
Murphy said on Aug 16 that he chose Helmy as Menendez’s interim successor because he believed that Helmy understands “on fundamental level” responsibilities role.
“George is ideal leader take this role—and has more relevant experience under his belt than perhaps anybody New Jersey,” governor said in an Aug 16 press release.
Helmy served under Murphy for five years making longest-serving gubernatorial chief staff state’s history.
Before joining Murphy administration, Helmy served as aide Booker before late Sen Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). He currently executive at RWJ Barnabas Health Garden State’s largest health care system.
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Prosecutors alleged Menendez wife Nadine accepted hundreds thousands dollars worth bribes businessmen Wael Hana Jose Uribe Fred Daibes between 2018 2022 These bribes included gold bars luxury convertible payments home mortgage compensation low-or-no-show job home furnishings
Menendez denied all allegations against him Ms Menendez pleaded not guilty Her trial indefinitely postponed she recovered from breast cancer surgery
senator due sentenced Oct 29 week before Election Day He faces up 20 years prison
Menendez previously trial unrelated federal corruption charges 2015 but case ended mistrial prosecutors declined try it again
