New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has officially appointed his former chief of staff, George Helmy, to temporarily replace Senator Bob Menendez. The announcement was made at a press conference in Newark on Friday (August 16). Menendez, who has served as a senator since 2006, is set to resign on August 20 following his conviction on federal corruption charges.
Helmy, the son of Egyptian-American immigrants, will make history as the only Arab American currently serving in the U.S. Senate. "George is the ideal leader to take on this role, and he has more relevant experience under his belt than perhaps anybody in New Jersey," Murphy said at the press conference.
Helmy will serve out the remainder of Menendez's term, which ends at the beginning of next year. In the upcoming November election, voters will elect a successor to serve out the next term. The Democratic nominee for the seat is New Jersey Representative Andy Kim, who is favored to win against Republican Curtis Bashaw, a hotel developer.
Helmy has stated that he has no intention of seeking elected office. "I have never, nor will I ever, seek elected office. As a matter of fact, as the governor alluded to, the idea of being called senator bothers me deeply," Helmy said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a functioning Senate office for New Jersey residents to rely on for help.