New Jersey interim Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat, is stepping down this weekend to make way for Sen.-elect Andy Kim to be sworn in early. Helmy was appointed after Bob Menendez resigned following a federal corruption conviction. This move was anticipated and aligns with the announcement made by Helmy and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy during his appointment earlier this year.
Governor Murphy emphasized the importance of allowing the 'democratically chosen winner' of the recent election to transition smoothly into office. Andy Kim, who defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw in the November election, will make history as the first Korean-American to serve in the Senate upon his swearing-in on Monday.
