New Jersey Democrat George Helmy sworn in to replace Menendez in Senate

WASHINGTON – New Jersey has a new U.S. senator after Democrat Bob Menendez resigned in August.

Democratic Sen. George Helmy, a former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, was sworn in Monday and will serve for about two months until the November election. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw are running for the seat in November, with the winner immediately replacing Helmy.

Menendez resigned in August after being convicted of using his influence to interfere in three separate federal and state criminal investigations. Prosecutors said he helped one bribe-paying friend secure a multimillion-dollar contract with a Qatari investment fund and another keep a contract to religiously certify meat destined for Egypt.

Murphy appointed Helmy to the temporary role after Menendez announced his intention to resign. Murphy said he chose Helmy because he understood the role after serving as an aide to New Jersey U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and the late New Jersey U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg.

Booker, now the state’s longest-serving senator, stood alongside Helmy as he was sworn in by Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the state’s senior Democrat and president pro tempore.

Helmy, 44, served as Murphy’s chief of staff from 2019 to 2023, then served as an executive at one of the state’s largest health care providers, RWJBarnabas Health. He previously served as Booker’s state director in the Senate. He is the son of Egyptian parents who immigrated to New Jersey.

After taking the oath of office, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer welcomed Helmy into the chamber and said he was making history by becoming the first member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to serve as a senator. Dozens of Helmy’s friends and family members watched the ceremony from the gallery above.

“We wish him nothing but success and stand ready to assist him as needed in the weeks and months ahead,” Schumer said.

When Murphy announced his nomination, Helmy said he had never sought and would never seek elected office. He said he would focus on public service during his brief time in the Senate.

“New Jersey deserves a full voice and representation in the United States Senate,” he said.

Menendez was also convicted of taking actions that benefited the Egyptian government in exchange for bribes, including providing information on U.S. Embassy personnel in Cairo and drafting a letter to fellow senators about lifting the suspension of military aid to Egypt. FBI agents also said they found stacks of gold bars and $480,000 hidden in Menendez’s home.

Menendez has denied all allegations against him and said he plans to appeal his convictions.