George Helmy sworn in as New Jersey senator to replace Menendez – Washington Examiner
George Helmy has been sworn in as the new senator representing New Jersey, taking over the position vacated by Bob Menendez, who resigned following his conviction in a bribery and fraud scheme. Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy, Helmy is expected to serve for a short time before stepping down in November, after which the winner of the upcoming Senate race between Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw will be appointed. Helmy, 44, previously served as Murphy’s chief of staff and has held roles in the healthcare sector. He will assume Menendez’s previous committee responsibilities on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
George Helmy sworn in as New Jersey senator to replace disgraced Bob Menendez
George Helmy was sworn into office on Monday as the 81st senator from New Jersey, following the resignation of now-former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) over his conviction in a public fraud scheme involving bribery and acting as a foreign agent.
Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ) appointed Helmy, who is set to be one of the shortest-serving senators and resign in November once the victor of the Senate race between Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) and Republican Curtis Bashaw is certified. Murphy has vowed to then immediately appoint the winner, which will almost certainly be Kim in the deep blue state.
Helmy, 44, is Murphy’s former chief of staff and an ex-staffer to Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ). He was most recently chief external affairs and policy officer for New Jersey health care system RWJBarnabas Health.
Helmy will take over Menendez’s committee responsibilities on Foreign Relations, Finance, and Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.
Menendez was found guilty in July by a Manhattan jury on 16 federal counts of extortion, wire fraud, obstruction of justice, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, bribery, and conspiracy. He coordinated a yearslong bribery and conspiracy scheme consisted of taking hundreds of thousands of dollars, luxury gifts, and 13 gold bars in exchange for helping Egyptian businessman and meddling on behalf of friends and family in criminal investigations.
Menendez maintains his innocence and plans to fight to overturn the conviction. His sentencing is Oct. 29.
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Menendez did not resign until Aug. 20, more than a month after his July 16 conviction. The delay allowed him to secure extra paychecks from his $174,000 annual salary but avoid being expelled by his colleagues from the Senate.
Helmy will play a crucial role on a host of high stakes votes in the coming weeks, including on government funding to avoid a shutdown ahead of the November elections. Senate Democrats control the chamber by a singular vote.
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