New Jersey has sworn in a new U.S. senator, George Helmy, following the resignation of Democrat Bob Menendez in August. Helmy, a Democrat and former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, took office on Monday and is set to serve for approximately two months until the November election. The upcoming election will see Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw competing for the seat, with the winner replacing Helmy immediately.
Menendez stepped down in August after being convicted on charges related to his involvement in various state and federal criminal investigations. Prosecutors alleged that he used his influence to assist friends in securing lucrative deals, including a multimillion-dollar agreement with a Qatari investment fund and a contract for providing religious certification for meat bound for Egypt.
