Embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) will not seek reelection as a Democrat this year, suggesting he might decide to compete as an independent. Some Democrats want him to step down as he prepares for a May trial while under indictment for allegedly accepting bribes.
He says he’s not guilty. “I will not file for the Democratic primary this June,” the senator said in a video Thursday. “I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election.”
Menendez’s announcement comes just days before the filing deadline in New Jersey.