Bob Menendez Will Resign From Senate, Avoiding an Ugly, Intraparty Battle

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey has announced his resignation from Congress, effective late August. This decision comes after intense pressure from Democratic colleagues following his conviction in a vast international bribery scheme. Mr. Menendez has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict, but he chose to spare his party an ugly expulsion battle. He will receive his salary and health insurance for another month, but his federal pension is at risk if his conviction is upheld. The resignation marks a collapse of Mr. Menendez's five-decade political career, and he now faces decades in prison. His continued presence in Washington would have been a distraction for Democrats as they focus on retaining the White House and Senate. However, there are concerns that his independent run for re-election could undermine Democratic efforts to hold onto the New Jersey Senate seat.