Gov. Phil Murphy joins Democratic calls for Sen. Bob Menendez to resign

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) joined the growing chorus of Democrats calling on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) to resign following an indictment on corruption allegations.

Murphy’s statement echoed those of earlier Democratic figures who had called on him to resign, acknowledging that everyone is innocent until proven guilty but stressing the seriousness of the charges. He demanded that Menendez resign from his position immediately.

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“The allegations in the indictment against Senator Menendez and four other defendants are deeply disturbing,” Murphy said in a statement posted on the governor’s website.

“These are serious charges that implicate national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system. Under our legal system, Senator Menendez and the other defendants have not been found guilty and will have the ability to present evidence disputing these charges, and we must respect the process. However, the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state. Therefore, I am calling for his immediate resignation,” he added.

Murphy is one of the most prominent figures to call for Menendez’s resignation so far. He joined New Jersey officials at the state level, Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), and former Attorney General Eric Holder in his calls for the senator to resign.

Menendez, who temporarily stepped down as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is also accused of using his position to “benefit the government of Egypt in various ways,” including providing it with secret information.

Menendez has denied the charges and blamed a shadowy cabal trying to tarnish his name.

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“For years, forces behind the scenes have repeatedly attempted to silence my voice and dig my political grave,” he said in a statement. “Since this investigation was leaked nearly a year ago, there has been an active smear campaign of anonymous sources and innuendos to create an air of impropriety where none exists.”

“Those behind this campaign simply cannot accept that a first-generation Latino American from humble beginnings could rise to be a U.S. Senator and serve with honor and distinction,” he continued. “Even worse, they see me as an obstacle in the way of their broader political goals.”