(FreePressBeacon.com) – After getting convicted for abusing his office for personal gain and facing many years in prison, disgraced Democrat US Senator Bob Menendez’s replacement has been chosen to serve the rest of his term.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy plans to tap his former chief of staff George S. Helmy to take over Menendez’s seat, according to the New Jersey Globe.
Helmy is expected to receive a formal offer today, with an announcement set for tomorrow.
As the outlet reported, 44-year-old Helmy has spent nearly five years as Murphy’s chief of staff.
He has been one of the most influential figures in New Jersey politics without holding an elected office.
This appointment comes after Menendez was convicted on conspiracy and federal bribery charges in July.
The conviction stems from a corruption scheme involving the Egyptian government and three New Jersey businessmen.
Menendez is scheduled to resign from his Senate position on August 20.
Helmy became the leading candidate for the Senate seat after First Lady Tammy Murphy opted out of consideration before the Democrat primary.
The New Jersey Globe reports that Helmy is set to assume office on September 9, right after the Senate’s August recess ends.
He will hold the position until the next winner is decided in the upcoming Senate race, featuring Republican Curtis Bashaw and Democrat Andy Kim.
Governor Murphy also considered several other candidates for the appointment, including Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, Democrat State Committee Vice Chair Marguerite Schaffer, U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas and public school teacher and mental health advocate Amy Kennedy.
Helmy stepped down from his government role in 2023 and has since been working with RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest healthcare delivery system.
The New Jersey Globe noted that Helmy has been working as the system’s chief external affairs and policy officer and executive vice president.
BREAKING: Gov. Phil Murphy will appoint George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to the U.S. Senate to replace Bob Menendez.
https://t.co/0BCnM6RFrq— David Wildstein (@wildstein) August 15, 2024
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