Menendez political dynasty faces major trial in New Jersey primary
CNN
The verdict in Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial is weeks away, but voters on Tuesday will deliver their judgment on the New Jersey Democrat’s political dynasty.
The verdict in Sen. Bob Menendez’s corruption trial is weeks away, but voters on Tuesday will deliver their judgment on the New Jersey Democrat’s political dynasty. Menendez is not on the primary ballot, though he has filed for reelection as an independent. His son, Rep. Rob Menendez Jr., however, is facing a tough challenge from a fellow Democrat as he seeks a second term representing New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. Menendez Jr. ran all but unopposed for the New Jersey seat in 2022 following the retirement of Democrat Albio Sires, an ally of his father’s. Progressives grumbled over the county Democratic machine’s work to clear the field for Menendez Jr., but he cruised to the nomination and a first term in the House. The indictment of Bob Menendez and Democratic Rep. Andy Kim’s campaign for his Senate seat stoked that progressive frustration again and opened the door for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla to challenge Menendez Jr. Local politicos now expect a close primary election, with Bhalla, though outspent, well-positioned to capitalize on a growing sense of Menendez fatigue among the electorate. Menendez Jr. has sought to turn the tables on Bhalla by highlighting unrelated corruption allegations against the mayor. Bhalla, a former civil rights attorney, has never been charged. But he is facing a lawsuit from a former city administration member, was censured by the New Jersey Supreme Court for unethical conduct and temporarily lost his license to practice law in New York. Bhalla is counting on a boost from his base in Hoboken and allies in neighboring Jersey City, whose mayor, Steven Fulop, is running for governor in 2025 on a similar, anti-party machine message. The Menendez campaign, while hammering the challenger with voluminous mailers and online attack ads, has walked a fine line to rally support for the incumbent. One prominent street sign urges voters to check the box for “Joe Biden” in the presidential primary and for “Rob,” with his last name printed in small text below, in the congressional race.
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