The Senate is set to swear in George Helmy as the successor to former Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., on Monday.
According to Fox News, Helmy, who previously served as chief of staff for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, will complete the remainder of Menendez's term, which concludes on January 3.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. ET. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray, D-Wash., will administer the oath of office to Helmy, as Vice President Kamala Harris, who typically presides over such proceedings as president of the Senate, will be absent.
Menendez resigned on August 20 following his conviction on charges of accepting bribes for corrupt acts, including acting as an agent of the Egyptian government. His departure created a vacancy that Governor Murphy has chosen to fill with Helmy, a seasoned political operative.
Helmy's tenure in the Senate will be brief, as the seat is up for election on November 5. The Democratic nominee for the position is U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, who is considered a strong contender in the traditionally Democratic-leaning state. Kim will face Republican Curtis Bashaw in the general election.
Despite his ongoing legal troubles, Menendez has filed to run as an independent candidate for re-election, adding an unexpected element to the race.
George Helmy brings a wealth of experience to his new role in the Senate. He served as Governor Murphy's chief of staff for over four years, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Prior to his appointment, Helmy was employed as an executive and head of external affairs for RWJBarnabas Health.
His political resume also includes a stint as state director for Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. This experience will likely prove valuable as Helmy prepares to work alongside Booker in the Senate for the remainder of the 118th Congress.
Governor Murphy's decision to appoint Helmy instead of Rep. Kim to the vacated seat has raised some eyebrows. Some speculate that appointing Kim could have provided him with an advantage in the upcoming election.
Recent legal developments have added new dimensions to the Menendez case. Fred Daibes, a New Jersey real estate developer who was convicted alongside Menendez, has pleaded guilty to a separate bank fraud charge. The U.S. Attorney's Office reported that Daibes entered his plea in U.S. District Court in Newark last week.
The charge against Daibes stems from false statements he made concerning a 2008 loan while serving as chairman and CEO of Mariner's Bank. The severity of the charges is reflected in the potential penalties, which include a maximum of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.
Daibes, Menendez, and businessman Wael Hanna were convicted in July on bribery charges related to a scheme involving the former senator. Prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted cash, gold bars, and a car in exchange for his influence. Another businessman, Jose Uribe, has already pleaded guilty, while the legal teams for Menendez, Hana, and Daibes are planning to appeal the convictions.
The Senate is preparing to swear in George Helmy as the replacement for convicted former Sen. Bob Menendez. Helmy, a former chief of staff to New Jersey's governor, will serve until January 3. The seat will be contested in the November 5 election, with Rep. Andy Kim as the Democratic nominee. Menendez resigned following his conviction on bribery charges, and recent legal developments include a guilty plea from a co-defendant on separate fraud charges.
